Edwina Joyce (Brooks) Prater, 86, of Maynard, passed away peacefully in her sleep on June 26, 2024, at Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House.

Joyce was born on January 30, 1938, to Hallie and Elsie (Redwine) Brooks.  Joyce graduated from Maynard High School, class of 1955.  Shortly after graduation, Joyce went to work at the Maynard Post Office as a part-time clerk.  She continued to work there and following the retirement of the previous Postmaster, Joyce was named the new Postmaster and continued in that role until her retirement after 40 years with the Postal Service.

Joyce loved to travel with all of her postal friends all over the country and attended most, if not all, National and State Postal Conventions for many years, even continuing long after her retirement.  Also, an avid bowler (although the first to admit, not an exceptional one), she enjoyed being with her bowling friends and bowled in multiple leagues and traveled to tournaments far and wide.  Her joy sprang from being with those she loved, sharing a laugh and a good time.  She was a member of the Columbia Jarrett Baptist Church and was much cherished by the congregation.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Robert Prater.  She is survived by her only child, Tim Prater of Jonesboro; brother-in-law, Rick (Linda) Prater; sister-in-law, Georgia (James) Ratliff; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held Saturday, June 29, 2024, 11:00 A.M – 1:00 P.M. at McNabb Funeral Home in Pocahontas with a Celebration of Life following at 1:00 P.M., with Dr. Gary Gregory, Rick Hassell, and Tom Rains officiating.  Burial will take place at Maynard Cemetery.

Attending as pallbearers are Allen Teel, Richard Teel, Jamie DeJournett, Terry Redwine, Ben Sammons, and Scotty Acree.  Honorary pallbearers are Thad Poore, Terry Cresap, Randy Brooks, Colby Johnson, and Chase DeJournett.