Joyce Ruffin Prater

JOYCE RUFFIN PRATER

Mrs. Joyce Ruffin Prater, age 86 of Fayette, died peacefully at home on  Sunday, April 14, 2024, after a lengthy illness. At noon on Friday, April 19, the family welcomed friends for a luncheon reception at the Fayette Civic Center, with words of celebration and remembrance being shared at 12:30 p.m.  Dr. T. Michael Morgan officiated. Joyce’s interment was private. Her death came only four weeks after she lost her one true love, Harlan Irby Prater, III, to whom she was married for 64 years.
Joyce was born on November 25, 1937, in Pickens County, to Mozelle House Ruffin and Joe Pierce Ruffin of Millport. Joyce was the oldest of five daughters and a son. She was a cheerleader and Valedictorian of the class of 1956 at Millport High School. Joyce earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics from Mississippi State College for Women (now Mississippi University for Women) in 1959, where she was a member of Phi Upsilon Omicron scholastic honor society and graduated with honors. Joyce married Harlan in Millport on September 6, 1959. They resided in Milwaukee, Wis., and Decatur before making Fayette their home in 1965.
A devoted member of Fayette First United Methodist Church, Joyce served her church in virtually every lay leadership role. One of her most beautiful legacies is the needlepoint kneeling cushions that still surround the altar. A real estate agent, a Weight Watchers coach, a nutrition instructor at Brewer (now Bevill) State Community College, a gifted seamstress and a caterer, Joyce always put others first — she was an unfailing source of motivation who touched many lives in immeasurable ways.
Joyce loved nothing more than gathering friends and family in her home. A consummate hostess, securing a place at Joyce’s dinner table was an honor and an absolute pleasure. And departing with one of her recipes was truly a gift!
In her spare time, Joyce served on the Fayette Civic Center Board of Directors for nearly three decades, from 1982 until 2022, and she was instrumental in procuring the Civic Center’s extensive collection of folk and mainstream 20th century American art. Joyce was named Fayette’s Woman of the Year in 1970. She was also a member of the Birmingham-Southern College Board of Directors and the Bevill State Community College Foundation Board of Directors.
Joyce relished her daily walks and regularly stopped at the church to pray. Even as her health declined, Joyce displayed love, faith and courage, and she inspired everyone around her. Above all, Joyce was a wife and mother. She loved Harlan and their three children, Joy, Harlan, IV, and Jane, with her whole being. She cherished her family and friends.
Joyce Ruffin Prater was one of a kind.
In addition to her parents, Joyce is predeceased by her husband, Harlan Irby Prater, III.
She is survived by her daughters, Joy (Stuart) Griswold of Northport and Jane (Frank) Yerger of Oxford, Miss.; son, Harlan Irby Prater, IV (Ann) of Birmingham;  sisters, June Ruffin Matsos (Michael, deceased) of Birmingham, Sylvia Ruffin (William) Caldwell of Charlotte, N.C., Linda Ruffin (Todd, deceased) McClinton of Pinson, Jayne Ruffin (Henry, deceased) Randolph of Birmingham, and brother, Larry Joe Ruffin (Mary) of Milton, Ga.; nine grandchildren, Lee Griswold (Kyle) Smith of Guin, Lynne Griswold (Brad) Turner of Moss Point, Miss., Catherine Ruffin Prater of Denver, Colo., Florence Prater (Marcus) Curaca of Arlington, Va., Frank Montague Yerger, Jr., of Birmingham, Sarah Jane Rivers Yerger of Oxford, Miss., Harlan Prater Yerger of Oxford, Miss., Lucy Brock (Alex) Loose and Thompson Leland Brock (Emily), all  of Charlotte, N.C.; five great-grandchildren, Kylee Joy, Lily Jane and Claire Louise Smith, James Edward (JT) Turner and James Leland Brock; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
The family is grateful to Bridgette Sykes for her loving care of Joyce and Harlan.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that memorial donations are made to Fayette First Methodist Church, 412 Temple Avenue North, Fayette, Alabama 35555, the Fayette Civic Center, 534 Temple Avenue North, Fayette, Alabama 35555, or the charitable organization of your choice.
Norwood-Wyatt Chapel Funeral Home of Fayette directed.