Mother Alma Jean Prater

Mrs. Alma Jean Prater, 91, of Peoria passed away on Wednesday, July 15, 2020 at Universal Rehab, Peoria, IL. Mother Alma was born on May 29, 1929 in Marianna, AR to Samuel Jackson and Ophelia (Leggs) Brown. She married Alfonzo Prater. Mother Alma was best known for her walk with God, cooking, fishing and motherly love. But you may know her for her greens and ability to make you laugh! That motherly love as a prayer warrior on the “Prayer Band” at New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Marianna, AR later extended that work to Peoria, IL where Mother Prater’s long life of 91 years was combined with a full gospel movement to Peoria, IL in 2001 where she became a member of Gospel Experience Church under the leadership of Pastor Richard K. Hammonds. Mother Alma served on the Mothers Board and as member of the prayer ministry visiting the Assistant Living Homes Ministry. Mother Alma leaves to cherish her most precious memory one son, Walter Doolittle of Peoria, IL; five daughters, Myrna (Melvin) Little, Marine Redmond both of Peoria, IL, Pamela Robinson of Calumet City, IL, Carol (Kevin) McClain of Streamwood, IL and Mildred Moton of Peoria, IL; 15 grandchildren; a host of great grandchildren; one unofficial faithful god-son, Steve Jefferson; god-children, The Jefferson Family and Mother Linda Williams; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Mother Prater was the last of six siblings. She is also preceded in death by her parents; two sons, Jessie Doolittle and Jamie Doolittle and one daughter, LaVerne Lawson. A funeral service will be held at 11 am, Saturday, July 25, 2020 at Gospel Experience Church, with visitation one-hour prior at 10 am. Pastor Richard Hammonds will officiate. Mother Alma will be laid to rest at Lutheran Cemetery. The funeral service will be live streamed on Simons Mortuary's Website or Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Simons-Mortuary-232095303487150 promptly at time of the service. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, social distancing and attendance limits will be observed. Simons Mortuary has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at SimonsMortuary.com. As the States begin re-opening in response to the Global Coronavirus Pandemic, some people are returning to their previous normal living standards. Unfortunately, we are now in our new normal as unreal and sometimes uncomfortable as the socially distancing and continuous use of protective masks may feel. *In an effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, we ask that everyone in attendance: wear a face mask and refrain from hugging, kissing and shaking hands (as hard as it is to see someone you care about and not touch them). Thanks in advance for your cooperation! *It is our responsibility as a Funeral Directors, to do everything we can to advise families in order to honor our beloved Families and to keep everyone as safe as possible. The chapel can socially distance and seat a limit of 50 or less people. All others will be able to flow through and view prior to beginning the Celebration of Life Ceremony.

Tributes

Mother Alma Jean Prater

May 29, 1929 - July 15, 2020