Carol Ann (Spelman) Prater

Carol Ann Prater, aged 80, of Donnellson, passed away at her home on Sunday, June 22, 2025, at 11:55 AM.

There are no services planned for Ms. Carol Prater at this time. Cremation rites are being accorded.

Carol was born the daughter of Charles C. and Anna (Reisner) Spelman on July 20, 1944, in Mattoon, Illinois. She grew up going to Mattoon schools, having graduated from High School there in 1962. She went on to receive her BA in Education at Greenville College and Masters in both Education and Counseling at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE). Carol came back to Greenville College to proudly serve as the Dean of Women. She passionately held a career as a dental hygienist.

The former Ms. Spelman became Mrs. Prater when she married her love, Jerry F. Prater, on July 1, 1972, in Mattoon, Illinois. Together they enjoyed traveling and even lived in Pennsylvania for 30 years, as well as Oregon. Carol also had a passion for reading and doing puzzles as well as spending time and working in her beautiful floral garden.

Surviving Ms. Carol is her beloved husband, Jerry Prater of Donnellson, IL; her brother James Spelman of Virden, IL; and sister Susie (Donald) Wilson of Cortez, CO.

Besides her parents, Carol was preceded in death by her brothers Charles and Fred Spelman; and her sisters Irma Tyson and Barbara Spelman.

Memorials in Carol’s honor may be directed towards the Hillsboro Public Library at Friends of Hillsboro Area Public Library, PO Box 51, Hillsboro, IL 62049.

Dean Funeral Home in Hillsboro is in charge of arrangements for the Prater family.

Condolences may be left online at www.basspattondeanfh.com.

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