Barbara Jane Prather, 83, passed away on March 29, 2024, in Cary, NC. Born on August 29, 1940 in Marion County, WV, she was the daughter of the late Allen Martin Knight and Mabel Rudy Knight.

In 1962, Barbara earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from SIUE in Edwardsville. Barbara started her teaching career in the Alton School District and later became a teacher in the Southwestern School District where she taught 4th grade, at Brighton Elementary for over 30 years. Barbara married Ronald Prather on June 21st, 1963 and they were blessed with over 60 years of marriage. Barbara enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, teaching, volunteering, bible studies, church & community activities, photography, horticulture, reading and traveling.

Barbara is survived by her husband, Ronald Prather; daughter, Melissa Prather Koenig (Dale) of Fuquay-Varina, NC; grandchildren, Katelyn Bachman, Trevor Koenig (Erica), Emily Teurnis (Matt), Spencer Koenig (Caroline); sisters-in-law, Frances Knight of Alton, IL and Iola Prather of Kemper, IL; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Barbara was preceded in death by her sister, Rebecca Ellen Knight; brother, Richard Marion Knight; brothers-in-law Kerry Prather, Pete Prather, Dale Prather, Melvin Bennett, Wendall Warner and Bill Lanam; sisters-in-law Kay (Shanks) Prather, Ruth (Cox) Prather, Bertha (Prather) Bennett and Doris (Prather) Warner-Lanam.

Visitation will be held on Saturday April 20th, 2024, from 10am-12pm at Anderson Funeral Home in Brighton, IL followed by a private family cremation burial in the Medora Cemetery.