Grace Irene Prather

Grace Irene Prather, 78, of Bryan, passed away on January 2nd, 2024, surrounded by loved ones at home after a long battle with cancer. Devoted to her faith and fueled by love for family, friends, continuous learning, and travel, she leaves behind a legacy of warmth, wisdom, and cherished memories.

Born in Pratt, KS, on July 22, 1945, she was the daughter of Robert and Gladys Nease. She graduated from Hugoton High School and headed to Kansas State University, where she met her husband of 47 years, Jack G. Prather. Jack and Irene moved to Hurst, TX, where they lived for 40 years raising their two daughters before retiring to Bryan, TX, in 2012.

Irene worked in the Texas public education system for almost 30 years, which included 10 years as a 1st grade teacher. She completed a Master of Library Science degree to become a Keller Middle School librarian for 15 years. She was a lifetime member since youth in 4-H, taking on an adult leadership role for the local club. Later in life, she served as a Docent for Fossil Rim Wildlife Center for 17 years and a Girl Scout volunteer for 10 years. She was also a lifetime member of Eastern Star and of the United Methodist Church.

She is survived by daughter Debra and husband Ken Turner, daughter Karen Prather, granddaughter Emma Turner, sister Linda Bentz and husband Bruce, brother Dawn Nease and wife Debbie, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

A celebration of life service will be held on January 20th, 2024, at 2:00PM in College Station, TX, at the A&M United Methodist Church. For those able to attend, dress is casual. In lieu of flowers, she requested contributions be made to Aggieland Humane Society, Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, or A&M United Methodist Church.