Shirley Jean Prater

Shirley Jean Prater, age 82, of Gainesville, Georgia (formerly East Palestine, Ohio) went to her Heavenly home to be with her Lord and Savior following a long illness on October 20, 2025.

She was born on September 7, 1943. She was adopted and raised by the late Ardell “Duge” Rhodes and Lillie (Willison) Rhodes.

She graduated in 1961 from Fairfield Crestview High School, and furthered her education at Youngstown State University. She owned and operated the East Palestine H&R Block office for 52 years. She also owned and operated SJP Accounting while being co-owner of Prater’s Auction Service. She was one of the first women members of the East Palestine Rotary Club and served as a board member of Threshold Residential Services. She was a member of Abundant Life Fellowship.

Shirley delighted in fun and maintained a love of adventure. She enjoyed vacationing with family and friends. She was blessed to travel to many beautiful destinations throughout her life.

Shirley’s memory will be cherished and kept alive by her loving family. She is survived by her daughter Shelly Prater; her daughter and son-in-law Kelly and Lance Whitmore; her granddaughter Alaina Whitmore; her grandson and granddaughter-in-law Derek and Rileigh Whitmore; and her sisters Kathy Smith and Sondra Ruscoe. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life and time of fellowship will be held at a future date at Abundant Life Fellowship in New Waterford, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Shirley’s honor to Abundant Life Fellowship, 46469 State Route 46, New Waterford, Ohio, 44445.

11/15/25