Marilyn Camille Randolph Prather

Marilyn Camille Prather, daughter of Cosette Martin Randolph and Harrison Calhoun Randolph of Bandana, Kentucky, passed away Wednesday, March 4th, 2026.

Marilyn was born on May 25, 1943, in Paducah, Kentucky. She graduated from Ballard Memorial High School before continuing her education at Freed-Hardeman College, where she earned her Associate Degree. She later received her Bachelor of Science degree from Abilene Christian College in 1965.

Following her graduation, Marilyn spent one year (1965–1966) teaching in the North Babylon School District in North Babylon, New York. While attending Abilene Christian College, she met the love of her life, Edward Ewell Prather. They were married in 1966 in San Angelo, Texas, beginning a devoted partnership that spanned decades.

From 1966 to 1968, Marilyn taught Special Education in the Lamesa Independent School District. Her heart for children with special needs led her to establish and teach a Satellite Class under the guidance of the Lubbock State School from 1969 to 1971. She later dedicated herself fully to her family as a stay-at-home mother from 1971 to 1981, lovingly raising her three children: Evan, Mindy, and Camille.

In 1981, Marilyn returned to the workforce as the Women’s Editor for the Lamesa Press Reporter, serving in that role until 1985. Later that year, the Prather family moved to Abilene, Texas. From 1986 to 1991, she worked in the Testing and Career Office at Abilene Christian University. In 1991, Marilyn began her long tenure with the Abilene Independent School District, faithfully serving until her retirement in 2008.

Marilyn was a strong Christian woman who loved the Lord with all her heart. Her faith guided every aspect of her life — as a wife, mother, educator, and friend. She lived her beliefs daily through kindness, service, generosity, and unwavering devotion to her family and church community. Her steady faith was an anchor to those who knew her, and her quiet strength and grace were lasting examples of Christian love in action.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her two sisters, Evelyn Maples and Carolyn Lockhart.

Marilyn is survived by her devoted husband, Ewell Prather; her three children, Evan Ewell Prather, Mindy Prather, and Camille Jackson (Brandon Jackson); and five cherished grandchildren: Jaelyn, Jaryn, Laney, Talon, and Eva.

A Celebration of Marilyn’s life will be held Saturday March 7th at 11:00 am in the chapel of Piersall Funeral Directors, with a time visitation following the service. Marilyn’s legacy of faith, love, and dedication to family and education will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.