2/23/1952 – 3/29/2026
Lawrence
Judith (Judy) Jane Henderson Prather, 74, formerly of Waco, Texas, passed away March 29, 2026 at home in Lawrence, Kansas. She was born on February 23, 1952 in Childress, Texas, to Arthur Theodore and Mildred Dunlap Henderson.
She graduated from Childress High School (1969), Baylor University (MA in English in 1973), Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (MRE in Religious Education in 1977), and George W. Truett Theological Seminary (DMin in Spiritual Formation in 2002).
She married Floyd (Buddy) Williams Prather, Jr. on June 6, 1975 and lived in Dallas for a few years before settling in Waco where they resided until 2016. Retirement led them to Lawrence, Kansas, and closer to her children and grandchildren all of whom she dearly loved.
Judy became a stay-at-home mom after the birth of her two sons. After her children started school, she began a 22-year writing career at the Baylor University Alumni Association where she was Communications Coordinator for The Baylor Line Alumni Magazine. Upon receiving the Doctor of Ministry degree in Spiritual Formation from George W. Truett Theological Seminary, she became a Chaplain and Bereavement Care Coordinator with Bluebonnet Health Care (Hospice) where she worked until her retirement. Judy and her family were faithful members of Lake Shore Baptist Church in Waco where she nurtured the congregation through her leadership in spiritual formation, women’s retreats, music and worship, and her gift of kindness to everyone she met.
She was preceded in death by her parents; half-sister Ruth Anne Henderson and half-brother Paul Wayne Henderson.
She is survived by her husband of 50 years, two sons Kevin Henderson Prather and wife, Jessi Asmussen, of Lawrence, Kansas, and Keith Williams Prather and wife, Kelly, of Champaign, Illinois; two brothers, Mike Henderson and wife, Sue, and Jerry Don Henderson and wife, Mary Jane, of Childress, Texas. She has been blessed with three magnificent grandsons: Elliot Asmussen Prather, Samuel James Prather, and Benjamin Michael Prather.
Memorials may be made to Plymouth Congregational Church, Lawrence or Social Service League of Lawrence, KS. A memorial service is planned for 10 a.m. Saturday, April 25 at Plymouth Congregational Church.
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