The funeral services for the late Bishop Willie Frank Prather of 250 Pearl Avenue, Ashburn, Georgia, who departed this life on Saturday, August 6, 2022 at his residence, will be held on Saturday, August 13, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. from the Zion Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Ashburn, Georgia, with Dr. Dorothy Holly delivering the Eulogy. Burial will follow in the Westview Memorial Cemetery in Ashburn, Georgia. Services may be viewed Facebook Live from the "Shipps Funeral Home" Facebook page or by clicking on this site's Home Page.
Bishop Willie Frank Prather, Jr., affectionately know as "Frank", was born on December 22, 1954 in Cordele, Georgia to the late Mr. and Mrs. Willie Frank, Sr. and Dorothy Jean Prather-Davis. Frank received his education in the Turner County Public School System.
At an early age, Frank gave his life to Jesus at the Rose Hill Holiness Church in Cordele, Georgia, under the leadership of Pastor Elder Rose Hill. At the age of 13, he joined the Mt. Zion Holiness Church in Fitzgerald, Georgia, under the leadership of General Bishop, where he served faithfully as a Sunday School teacher, Sunday School Superintendent, President of the choir, and Director of the Youth Department.
Frank was employed by the Turner County Board of Education in Ashburn, Georgia, for over thirty years.
In 1998, Elder Prather founded the New Jerusalem Free Will Baptist Church, under the divine direction of God. The ministry started with his immediate family and other devoted members. The church grew with a focus on evangelism, prayer, and learning God’s Word. Shortly thereafter, the Lord led him to the Bishop of the New Jerusalem District for several years. Bishop Prather expanded his call of Ministry when he became Pastor of Cherry Grove Freewill Baptist Church in Tifton, Georgia, for several years, and Pastor of Miracle Temple Holiness Church in Cordele, Georgia for two years. Later in 1998, Bishop Prather founded the Mt. Calvary Hill Holiness Church in Cordele, Georgia, where he served faithfully as the Pastor until the Lord called him home.
Bishop Prather loved the simple pleasures of life which brought him great joy, such as singing with the Heavenly Stars gospel group for several years. Tears of joy would roll down his cheeks to see his young grandsons worshipping Jesus.
Bishop Willie Frank Prather, Jr. went to be with our Lord on Saturday, August 6, 2022, at his home, after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by his loved ones who will continue to honor his legacy by living their best lives with Jesus on their side. He was preceded in death by his parents, Elder Dorothy Davis and Bro. Willie Frank Prather, Sr., and a sister, Dora Jean McGee. Though we mourn, we do not mourn as others who have no hope of Eternal Life; instead, we rejoice over another soldier in the Army of the Lord.
Bishop Willie Frank Prather, Jr. leaves to honor and cherish his precious memories his loving and devoted wife of forty-eight years, First Lady Betty Jo Prather; his children, Willie Frank (Donna) Prather, Jr., Shanoe Demetrius Prather (friend, Veronica), Justin Stephon (Shanna) Prather, Sr., Eunice Prather, Randy Prather, and Shonda Prather, whom he loved as a daughter; four grandchildren, Shacara (Jaheem) Garray, Quintavious (Kristie) Prather, Justin Stephon Prather, Jr., Joseph Aiden (friend, Geraldine Fowler); seven great grandchildren; his brother, Tommy Lee (Gwen) Prather; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and sorrowing friends.
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