Wilma Marie (Hall) Prather (92) 

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Wilma Marie (Hall) Prather, 92, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, June 22,
2026, at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, Illinois.

Funeral service will be held on Sunday, July 5, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the Edgewood
Christian Church, with visitation one hour prior to start of service. Mariah Logan will be
officiating. Interment will take place in the Edgewood Cemetery. Online condolences
may be left at www.pagelfuneralhome.com.

Wilma was born in Hammond, Indiana, on October 6, 1933, the daughter of Henry and
Florence Hall. Wilma later lived in Terre Haute, Indiana, before moving to Flora, Illinois.
While still in High School, Wilma developed a strong work ethic that remained with her
throughout her life. She worked at the dime store and at the Children’s Home while
living in Terre Haute and, later, at the theater, the high school and an insurance
company in Flora during her high school years. Following graduation, she continued
working at the insurance company in Flora until she began working at the Western
Union Telegraph office in Salem, Illinois, where she worked for about 15 years while still
living in Flora. Later, while living in Edgewood, she continued working in the insurance
industry, and for the State of Illinois, and, after that, she worked for over a year at a
nursing home, and then, at St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital in Effingham, Illinois. She
moved to Heartville and continued with St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital where she
dedicated more than 38 years to the hospital, the patients and their families and friends
before retiring near the end of her 83rd year, a testament to her remarkable work ethic
and determination. She was a past member of the Rebekah’s Lodge and Royal
Neighbors of America.

Throughout her life, Wilma attended churches in Terre Haute, Indiana; Flora, Illinois;
and Edgewood, Illinois. Wilma loved her family—both immediate and extended—as well
as her many friends and her beloved Siamese cat, Sampson, who remained her faithful
companion until she became a resident of Lake Land Rehabilitation & Health Care
Center. She was happiest when caring for others and was always ready to prepare a
meal for anyone who came to visit. She enjoyed reading, especially medical literature,
and was often the one nursing family members through illnesses and injuries. She also
liked shopping for everything, with clothes being one of her favorites. She had an
interest in and had a keen sense of style. Her unique personality included being fun and
light. Many laughs were shared. Wilma was also there to help see you through the dark times. Her
own life had taught her from early on to rebound and keep going.

Her greatest legacy was the love she poured into her family. She leaves behind
generations who will remember her strength, unwavering work ethic, caring heart, quick
wit, hospitality, shared laughs, and the meals, hugs, and encouragement she so freely
shared. Her kindness, resilience, and devotion to those she loved will continue to live on
in the hearts of all who knew her.

Wilma is survived by her son, Ray Prather; daughter; Sherry Hensley; sisters; Aida
(Louis) Yaccarino and Susie Coleman; brother, Sam (Paula) Hall; grandchildren,

Michelle (Mike) Walker, Nikki Hensley, Charles Jason Sparlin, Justin Sparlin, Tara (Jim)
Ness, and Kyle Prather; and her great-grandchildren, Kellina (Nate) Painter, Solena
Robsley, Niko Robsley, Charlise Sparlin, Charles (Charlie) Jason Sparlin Jr., Chace
Ness, Logan Ness, Austin Ness, Easton Ness, Ella Prather, and Harper Prather, and
numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Florence Hall; her husband;
Harlen Richard Prather; her son, Charles Otto Sparlin Jr.; brothers, William (Bill)
Hall, Joe Hall, Junior (J.R.) Hall, and Everett Hall; sisters, Ada Hall and Virginia
(Bob) Ray.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff and residents of Lake Land
Rehabilitation & Health Care Center for the love, compassion, friendship, and care that
was given to Wilma during her time there.