Clevland Prater

Obituary for Clevland Prater

CLEVELAND PRATER was born on February 17, 1937 to Willie Prater, Sr. and Ethel Pressley Prater in Irwin County, Georgia. “Sip” as he was affectionately called by family and friends, received his basic education at Ocilla High & Industrial School. Growing up, he knew what it meant to know Christ as his personal Savior and he got his start at Mt. Olive AME Church where he served faithfully in the choir. Later in life, Cleveland decided that he needed a change so he relocated to Miami, Florida in the late ‘50’s after the death of his father. In Miami, he became a member of Miracle Outreach Ministries for All People and it was there that he was ordained “Bishop.” Cleveland was employed by Royal Baking Company for many years. He later was employed by Miami Dade International Airport where he remained until his health began to fail. He called Miami his home until the death of his daughter, Rona, who was his primary caretaker. He then was brought to Fort Pierce by his loving and caring family. Cleveland lived with his sister, Magalene, who then became his primarily caretaker. Magalene, along with their sister, Thelma; niece and great niece, Donna and Shaquinta; nephew and great nephew, Alton and Marvin II; cared for him in her home until he was admitted to Lawnwood Regional Medical Center & Heart Institute. On Saturday, September 15, 2018 at the Hospice House in Fort Pierce, Florida, Cleveland went to a land where pain and suffering shall be no more. He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Prater; parents, Willie Prater, Sr. and Ethel Pressley Prater; brothers, Willie Prater, Jr. and James Charles Prater; sisters. Mary Lou Middlebrooks and Ethel Lee Prater; and nephews, Eddie Lee Prater and Calvin Middlebrooks. Those left to reminisce on the memories of Cleveland and hold them close in their hearts are: his son, Jeffery (Twanna) Thomas; sisters, Magalene Prater James and Thelma Prater both of Fort Pierce, FL; grandkids, Aaliyah and Jeffery Thomas, Jr., Leon Hatcher, Jr., Ismail Tisdale, Sydni Ealy, Michael Barieto, Jimmia Prater all of Miami, FL; aunts, Lou McCutchen of Newport News, Virginia, Phoebe Gamble of Pennsylvania; and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins and sorrowing friends who miss him dearly.

A Visitation for Bishop Cleveland Prater will be held on Saturday, September 22, 2018 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Stone Brothers Funeral Home Chapel with a Funeral Service to begin thereafter.

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