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30/09/2011 9:48 pm
Family and friends gathered this beautiful, cool and sunny September morning at Christ United Methodist Church in Louisville to pay tribute in word and music to Helen Hughes Prater, widely known and much loved by scores of river people and others whose lives were touched by this remarkable lady. As people assembled in the sanctuary, a continuous slide show of fascinating images taken throughout Miss Helen's 98 year life (expertly arranged by Jerry Sutphin) was projected onto a screen as a recording played of Miss Helen at the piano.
The service opened with a welcome by Richard Prater, followed by a pipe organ prelude of "Shall We Gather at the River", an arrangement of the Robert Lowry hymn by Dr. Albin Whitworth. Dick, his sister, Lil, and four other members of the Prater family gave brief, humorous and poignant eulogies, as did Jerry Sutphin, Keith Norrington and Travis Vasconcelos. A trio of Prater family members (Lil, Amy and Joe) beautifully sang "In the Garden" (Miss Helen's favorite hymn) ably accompanied by Nancy Prater on the piano. The congregation joined in singing on the final stanza. A CD selection, "I asked the Lord", performed by "Gloryland" (a men's choral group of which Dick is a member) was played at the conclusion of his remarks.
The service closed, appropriately, with Travis playing a calliope style rendition of "Goodbye Little Girl Goodbye" on the organ's flute stops, followed by the ringing of the roof bell for departure and a final whistle salute recorded aboard the Str. DELTA QUEEN.
After the service concluded at the church, most everyone made the short trek down the street to the Zachary Taylor National Cemetery, where Miss Helen's ashes were interred next to those of her husband, Col. B.E. Prater, who passed away in 1988. Grandson Mark Prater offered closing remarks and a beautiful prayer.
Our beloved Miss Helen was certainly given a well deserved and glorious "send off" today. It truly was a celebration of her long and fruitful life. May she rest in peace and eternal glory.
01/10/2011 12:11 am
Shall We Gather At The River
And let it be noted that the prelude was played on the pipe organ by Keith, and if he rendered it as he did at Dorothea Frye's memorial service, I'm sure there wasn't a dry eye in the sanctuary.
01/10/2011 12:57 am
Yes, Keith's rendition of "Shall We Gather At the River", was very emotional. Reminded me of him telling me that C.W. Stoll liked his organ music "loud". It was beautiful!
01/10/2011 5:50 pm
Very nice for a sweet lady. May Miss Helen be long remembered on the rivers she loved.
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03/10/2011 2:05 pm
Remembrances of Miss Helen
For those friends and members of her "river family" who could not attend the memorial service for Miss Helen, here are a few of the images taken at the church and cemetery.
(1) Nancy Prater and Keith just before the organ prelude
(2) Richard Prater and Lillian Prater Smith
(3) At the Zachary Taylor National Cemetery. Travis Vasconcelos in foreground.
Topic starter
03/10/2011 2:09 pm
Prater Memorial Service
More from the Memorial Service...
(1) Jerry Sutphin, Gerry Burks Swarts, Susan Burks, Nancy Prater & Lenora Sutphin
(2) Miss Helen's urn and roses placed by her children & grandchildren
(3) Lil Prater Smith and Keith Norrington
03/10/2011 8:02 pm
*RE: Ms Helen's Memorial*
Keith,
Many, many thanks for the wonderful testimonial and photos of Helen Prater's memorial service this past weekend. Also sorry I missed you at the organ. I would have loved to attend but just now--somewhat--pulling out of this infernal ear condition with medication. All I hear is buzzzzzzin' and ringing at times. Tomorrow another visit with my ENT doctor and the audiologist. My heart was with you all at the service.
R. Dale Flick
Coal Haven Landing, Ohio River, Cincinnati.