PASTOR MELANIE COOPER PRATHER – AGE 70, - Of Dalton, Georgia passed away on Monday, August 3, 2026. She was born on February 20, 1956, the beloved daughter of George and Louise Wofford Cooper, the youngest of her siblings. She was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, brother, Clinton Cooper, sisters, Loretta C. Willis, and Wanda Cooper, sister-in-law, Ann Bowles.

She graduated from Dalton High School Class of 1974 where she was a member of the track team. Pastor Melanie worked in Customer Service at Shaw for many years until her well earned retirement. Her service to the Lord began when she accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior where she joined Pure Holiness Church of God under the leadership of Elder Flowers and Bishop S. Ackey.

The Love She Shared – On June 10, 1989 she married the love of her life, Minister Robert L. Prather, Jr. whom she shared thirty-seven years of love and life. Melanie was later called to carry His word and to Pastor Melanie faith and service was the fire that fueled her soul and worship was what she loved. Her walk with Jesus was whom she loved and she’s now resting in His arms. She faithfully served as Pastor of New Covenant Deliverance Church in Dalton, Georgia and First Lady of Ephraim Deliverance Family Church in Ringgold, Georgia along with her husband. She labored faithfully with ROT – Reach Out and Touch Radio Ministry until her health declined.

Those who live in love live on in the hearts of those left behind. Pastor Melanie leaves to cherish her memories a devoted husband, Elder Robert L. Prather, Jr.; two stepsons, Robert L. “Pee Wee” Prather, III, Santrez “Petey ” Prather; two sisters, Elder Joyce Ann Cooper, Renee Bowie; brother, Mitchell (Carolyn) Cooper; sisters-in-law, Jennifer (Gregory) Ponder, Alberta Prather, Andrea Weston, Willie Mae Miller, Mary Jane Smith, Mary Helen Jackson, Denise Lindsey, Ella (Orlando) Hackett, Sherri Watson, Dr. Carol Prather Turner; brothers-in-law, Minister Prentice (Stephanie) Prather, Terry Willis, Jimmy Bowles, Derek Prather; goddaughter, Khalilah Steele; aunt, Genevelyn Wofford Johnson; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins; extended family, friends, and her church family.

Celebration Of Life Service will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at 11:00 A. M. at the Willis Funeral Home Chapel, 2011 Martin L. King, Jr. Blvd., Dalton, GA 30721. Her remains will lie in state at the funeral home on Friday after 12:00 noon. Interment, West Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the local Kidney Foundation. Arrangements entrusted to Willis Funeral Home, Inc., Dalton, Georgia.