Heaven welcomed Mae McCartney Prather of Branch, La. on February 12, 2021. Born October 31, 1921 in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, Mae’s life was full and blessed. Her unshakable joy, unique humor and faithful spirit guided her through life. She was a teen during the Great Depression, a member of the first graduating class of Lamar High School in Houston, Tx, and a graduate of Baylor University in Waco, Tx. During her sophomore year at Baylor, while on a bus ride during summer camp in Ridgecrest, North Carolina, she met Bill Prather, the brother of a Baylor classmate. Bill and Mae married three years later in Houston, after she graduated from Baylor, and spent the remainder of their lives on the Prather farm in Acadia Parish. Mae was a lady and absolutely one-of-a-kind. She lived a life of faith, family, fashion and fine art. Among many attributes she was a devoted mother, grandmother and great grandmother, a dedicated Sunday school teacher, an incredible artist, a talented writer and a skilled shopper. Though she lived most of her life on a rice farm, she was a city girl at heart. An adventurous traveler, she visited cities on nearly every continent to see new sights, try the local cuisine and ice cream varieties, and paint porcelain masterpieces with fellow artists. She especially loved New York City, often visiting to take in the latest fashions and Broadway shows. Hers was an example of a life honorably, truly and vibrantly lived. She was a devoted member of Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church in Richard, La. for 78 years, a beloved patron of the Acadia Parish Library, and an active member of the Attakapas Study Club of Crowley, the Crowley Art Association and the Painter’s Guild of Lafayette. Mae’s indelible spirit and unique humor lives on in her family. She is survived by two sons, Billy Prather and his wife Allie, and Randy Prather and his wife Elaine; eight grandchildren, Alisha Loftin (Travis), Will Prather (Renee), Garrett Prather (Jenna), Erin Smiley (Patrick), Greer Prather (Melanie), Clay Prather (Kim), Kyle Prather (Sarah) and Scott York; and nine great grandchildren, Liam, Camille, Mae, Jane, Aiden, Elaina, Hudson, Gus and Cooper. She was preceded in death by Bill Prather, her husband of 59 years, her mother Vera Greer McCartney, daughter Cherry Prather York and dear friend Bea Hunter. Mae’s family extends special thanks to Jill, Lydia and the outstanding team at Southwind Assisted Living in Crowley, to her caring sitter Kelly, and to Hope Hospice for their loving care. Arrangements have been entrusted to Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home of Crowley. Due to the pandemic, no public services are planned. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Acadian Baptist Center in Eunice, La., a place Mae and Bill dearly loved and supported (www.abccamp.com or 1202 Academy Drive, Eunice, La. 70535).