Janice Lee Prather (Mcclendon) Obituary (1931

Janice Lee McClendon Prather, 92, of Midlothian, Texas passed away peacefully in her sleep on February 23, 2024. Jan was born September 13, 1931 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, the chosen daughter of Lina Aiken McClendon and Terrell Blake McClendon (birth daughter of Lela and John Ellenburg), and twin sister to brother Jamie. Jan graduated from Stillwater High School in 1949, then earned a BS in Home Economics from Oklahoma State University (Oklahoma A&M). She was a member of Alpha Delta Pi, and if pictures are proof, she attended every ADPi and Sigma Chi dance, often with her lifelong friends Liz Willson and Margaret Cross, and ultimately with Stan Prather. Jan married Stanley Hugh Prather on January 23, 1953 in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Stan and Jan were married for 54 years and were devoted to each other. She was a loving wife and mother. She was ahead of her time, and utilized her degree to plan menus and prepare nutritious, balanced meals. She loved interior design, and created beautiful homes that always featured her signature, teal carpet! (It doesn't show dirt or dog hair.) Ultimately, she created a home filled with God's love and peace. Her children remember her as an agent of mercy and a silent gift giver to those in need. She lived out her faith completely (Matthew 6:3-6). She was in constant prayer for her children, and gave godly advice with compassion and discernment (often on the back of an envelope). Mom was always faithful and forgiving. She carried our load as if it was her own; a kindhearted, faithful reminder of what Jesus has done for us. She was the very definition of a walking blessing, always shining the light of Jesus with joy. As a grandmother, Noni loved and supported her grandchildren and their families, traveling to see them at birthday parties, concerts, weddings, births, holidays, gallery showings, theatre performances and productions. She was proud of them all for who they are and prayed for them to love and serve God. Jan especially loved God. She trusted Jesus as her savior, and was saved on September 14, 1971. She prayed for her family and friends, and she loved to study the Bible. Every day she listened to preachers on the radio or TV, and often volunteered as a prayer counselor. She took copious notes, and covered the refrigerator with inspirational quotes and Bible verses. As a member of First Methodist Church Midlothian for over twenty-five years, Jan was active in her Home Group, Sunday School Class, Bible Study, and many church wide events- including supporting numerous youth on mission trips, teaching Confirmation Classes, and praying for all who asked. Although she never held a leadership position, didn't have a lifelong career, nor win any civic awards, she was loved by young and old and all who knew her. Stan once said that he couldn't imagine anyone not loving Jan; she was the kindest person he'd ever known. Jan is survived by her children, Roger Prather (Gayla), Douglas Prather, Christia Caudle (Tom); grandchildren, John Mark Caudle (Jenna), Grace Caudle, Annalise Caudle, and Scott Prather (Becky); great-grandchildren, Julia Caudle and Kailey Robbins; and sister-in-law, Beverly Merrill (Lou). Jan is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Preceding Jan in death are her husband, Stan, twin brother, James McClendon, and her parents. A visitation will be at First Methodist Church Midlothian on Wednesday, February 28, 2024 at 12:00 pm followed by the funeral service at 1:00 pm with Brady Johnston and Dr. April Fehler officiating. Pallbearers will be Scott Prather, John Mark Caudle, Tom Caudle, Jason Westbrook, Mark Pollard, and Don Garrett. Interment will be on Monday, March 4, 2024 at 11:00 am at the Dallas/Fort Worth National Cemetery.