Cecile Felsenthal Prager

Cecile Felsenthal Prager, born December 25, 1939, in Memphis, TN passed away peacefully at her home on May 6, 2025, surrounded by her family. Cecile was a wonderful daughter, sister, friend, wife, partner, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
Nothing brought Cecile more joy than her 6 grandchildren. Family was everything to Cecile so she moved from her beloved Memphis to Atlanta after the death of her husband to be near the grandchildren. She loved being involved in their lives and her grandchildren adored having her nearby.
A graduate of Tulane University and the University of Memphis, Cecile was a longtime educator with a specialty in reading. Cecile was always a teacher at heart, dedicating herself to helping thousands of people learn to read. Her favorite moments came when she taught an adult, particularly a senior citizen, to read for the first time. She worked for several non-profits including Memphis Partners and Junior Achievement. In 2018, Reach Memphis honored Cecile for her work with Memphis Prep and recognized the key role she played in building the program. In Atlanta, Cecile was an active volunteer with LaAmistad, The Temple and a founding board member of Most Valuable Kids of Greater Atlanta.
Cecile was preceded in death by her husband, Beirne M. Prager Jr. She is survived by her children, Lynn (Barry) Deutsch, Susan (Brian) Banner, and Nancy Prager; her grandchildren, Ben (Sophie), Michael, and Rebecca (Brandon Alaniz) Deutsch, and Bradley, Henry, and Anna Banner; and one great-grandchild. She is also survived by her brother, Eddie (Gloria) Felsenthal; her partner, Dr. Elliott Goldstein; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Cecile embraced the motto, "Bloom Where You Are Planted," and she truly lived by it-thriving in both Memphis and Atlanta, and enriching the lives of all who knew her.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Temple Israel in Memphis (http://www.timemphis.org/) or a charity of your choice.
Funeral services will be Friday, May 9, 2025, 1:00 PM, at the Levy-Cooper Chapel, Temple Israel Cemetery, 1708 Hernando Road, Memphis, TN 38106
Cemetery Details
Temple Israel Cemetery
1708 Hernando Road
Memphis, TN 38106 Previous Events
Funeral Service
MAY 9. 1:00 PM (CT)
Levy-Cooper Chapel @ Temple Israel Cemetery
1708 Hernando Rd.
Memphis, TN 38106
http://www.timemphis.org To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Cecile, please visit our Tree Store.