Paul Maurice Prather

Paul M. Prather was the second oldest son of Maurice and Eleanor Prather. He was raised in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Paul departed this life on Wednesday July 22, 2020.

Paul attended Gaithersburg High School in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Paul and DeSherryl Woody were united in marriage August 10, 1979 at Rockville Court House with the attendees of his brother Raymond Prather, mother-in-law Mary Harris Matthew and daughter, at the age of 2, Reashamor Woody Ba.

Paul spent most of his life taking care of his family, friends, and employees. He worked various jobs and trained many. His work career comprised of more than 30 years, including as a business owner where he helped many people with a job, when they were not able to get employment. He felt no man should be left behind but given a chance.  Paul was giving to anyone who needed help. Paul loved everyone, especially his family.

Paul loved fishing, hunting, football, and boxing. He loved having gatherings of family and friends. Paul would often call people and ask them to “come on over” telling them “I am having the fight” no matter what it cost, he had to see it the day of, not the free one after the event day.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents Maurice and Eleanor Prather, his brothers William “Micky”, Raymond “Boo”, Sidney, John, and his only sister Pamela.

He leaves to mourn his beloved wife of 41 years DeSherryl Woody Prather; brother Clinton Prather; five daughters, Pamela Hawkins Cole, Paula Johnson, Reashamor Woody Ba, Kimberly Prather and Keishla Prather; two sons PJ Prather and Indio Prather; ten grandchildren, Kala, Ciara, Kyree, Gaybreil, LaSaunda, Miracle, Zyeasha, Abdule “Rocky”, Izabella, and last but not least Vivienne “TiTi”; six great-grandchildren; three sisters-in-law, Iris Prather “Maxine”, Donna Gibson and Wanda Prather, loving cousin Rev. Sharon Gibson, whom he referred to as his sister, a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, along with other family members, and friends.

Note to my Paul, or most of the time “Prather”, we have grown together through thick and thin. We were each other’s ride or die partners and had some wonderful times together.  You gave me flowers often just because you saw them. You were my “rock”, you guarded and protected us, but now you are gone.  I want you to rest in heaven.   I will continue to honor and love you.  Until we meet again, trust I will be alright! I got this you know me. In loving kisses from my heart to you, Love Sherryl.

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