Katie Bell Prater (Abrams) was born to her parents, Cecil Abrams and Mary Jane Abrams (Richardson) on February 20, 1944 in Morvin, Alabama. She was the sixth of nine children born in the family and was raised with her siblings, Allie B., Genie, Charles, Mary, Jane, Jerry, and Lutha.

As a child, Katie enjoyed cleaning and loved learning; this made schooling enjoyable for her. Although she was quite the student, Katie was known to get in trouble for talking back to others. She wanted others to know how she truly felt and at times wanted to have the last word.

Katie was educated in Thomasville, Alabama where she attended and graduated from A.L Martin High School. This experience set the foundation for her lifelong commitment to learning. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Science and Education degree from Miles College in Fairfield, Alabama, followed by a Master’s degree in Education from Tufts University in Medford, Massachusetts. This strong educational background propelled her into a rewarding career as an elementary school teacher, where she touched the lives of countless students. Third graders being her favorite, because as she would say “At that age, they can go to the bathroom by themselves”! At one point she worked for the City of Chelmsford, MA as a Social Worker for Youth. She also worked with organizations such as the United States Air Force Teaching at Hellenikon Air Force Base in Athens, Greece. Additionally, she served as the owner of K’s Marketing Distributing and Print Shop, in Denver, CO where she created the Economizer Advertiser, later founding Salvation is Free also in Denver, CO where she would help people find a church home.

Katie met Terry in the Summer of 1962 here in Piedmont. A story often told by the family is that Katie was married twice in the same month; she had a courthouse wedding on May 5, 1978 that just wouldn’t do. Therefore, Katie was married on May 20, 1978. She was joined in holy matrimony with James Terry Prater at the Hillside International Truth Center in Atlanta, Georgia. The bond they had was the true definition of love and devotion and remained strong throughout their 47 year marriage.

Together, they created a warm and loving home, nurturing a family that would be her pride and joy. To this union she gained bonus daughters, Tangela and Tanara Prater and three sons who never left Heaven.

Katie was an amazing cook, who also loved to bake. Everyone loved her potato roll recipe and Mildred Cobb Pound Cake recipe. These traits not only defined her home but also her role as a “space mother” to her nieces and nephews, offering them support and love throughout their lives. Her laughter echoed through family gatherings, reminding those around her of the joy she brought into their lives.

She gained an additional source of pride and joy with the birth of her grandchildren, and great- grandchildren.

An avid traveler, Katie journeyed throughout a large portion of Europe; including Germany, Italy, France and Greece where she lived for three years. Katie was most proud of her excursion to the Pyramids in Alexander, Egypt. She enjoyed exploring new places and creating lasting memories with family and friends. She cherished her time spent with close friends Joyce (Nate) Tall, Anita (Charles) Johnson, Patricia (Mac) Morgan, and Cynthia (George) Hollins, who remained by her side through the years. Before moving to Colorado, Katie attended Walnut Grove Baptist Church in Morvin, AL. She enjoyed attending church and was an amazing singer. She later became a member of Word of Life Christian Center, and remained for over 30 years until her passing. Katie was also involved with several other organizations including the Black Genesis, where she was Vice President for many years.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Cecil Abrams and Mary Jane Abrams; her brother, Theodore Abrams; her sister, Allie B Abrams; her brothers, Charles Abrams; her mother in law, Gracie L. Prater; sister in law, Ella Ree Abrams; her brothers in law, Cecil Seaberry, Millard Wright, and Vaughn Prater.

Those left to cherish her memory include her devoted husband, James Terry Prater, along with her bonus daughters, Tangela Prater and Tanara Prater (William). She was a proud Mother and Grandmother to Keii (Maurice) Palmer and an equally proud Grandmother to Tanisha (Brandon) Ashley, Shaneque Ashley, Jasmine Prater, Tiffany Prater, and Eugena Prater. Her legacy continues with her great-grandchildren: Monet Palmer, Joesighia Bryant, Monte Palmer, Aniyah Bryant, Jordan Prater, Hope Perkins, Harmony Perkins, Evan Prater, Harper Bryant, Wendell Perkins Jr., Avaya Prater, Levi Prater, Liam Prater, and Landon Prater. Katie is also survived by her siblings: Genie Abrams, Mary Wright, Jane Gadson (William), Jerry Seaberry, and Lutha Abrams (Helen). Along with Brothers in Law William (Parthina) Prater, Kenneth (Gisele) Prater, Wayne (Linda) Ball, and Sister in law Linda Prater. Along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends whom she loved dearly.

Katie leaves behind a legacy of love, commitment to education, and cherished memories that will forever resonate in the hearts of those who knew her. Her contributions to her family, friends, and community have created an enduring impact that will not be forgotten.