Doris Pope Prater

1933 - 2025

Doris Pope Prater

Born: Dec 15, 1933 | Died: Apr 2, 2025

Doris Guinette Pope Prater, age 91 of Knoxville passed away April 2, 2025. She was born December 15, 1933 to Leona and Sanford Pope in Loudon, TN. Doris was the first born child and had been blessed with a REMARKABLE Soprano Voice. From her early childhood years, she sang at church, holiday gatherings, and talent shows. She was the tiny girl with the big voice.

Doris attended school in Loudon, Shorter College, and graduated from the University of Tennessee. She sang in theater productions, plays, and studied under the most prestigious music teachers and professors. Doris was a member of Pi Beta Phi. Later she became president of the Lenoir City Women's Club, music director for Central United Methodist Church, and taught music at Lenoir City Schools. She performed for the Symphony, was a featured vocalist for many choral societies, and was a highly featured soloist at civic programs and musical events throughout her life. Doris has YouTube videos that are wonderful to watch. She was chosen to be published in "Outstanding Young Women of America". Doris was a member of a very popular singing group called the Merry Makers that sang all over the state of Tennessee.

Doris sang at more weddings than one can count. A standing comment was, "if Doris sang at your wedding you were definitely married forever". And as life would have it, she also sang at many funerals and she would often remark how difficult to sing the Lord's Prayer when you were burying a close friend.

Doris married the love of her life, William Joseph Prater, a pharmacist, in June 1955. They owned Lenoir Drug Company "The Rexall", and Hallmark House of Gifts in Lenoir City. He preceded her in death along with her parents, Sanford and Leona Pope; brother and sister-in-law, Jimmy Hugh and Bette Pope.

Doris loved to play golf and had a group of loving friends. Her best friend and golfing partner, Janet Green, has been a blessing to the family. Doris was beautiful inside and out and never met a stranger. On April 2nd, her beautiful voice was added to the Heavenly Choir.

The one phrase that Doris wanted to hear when she got to Heaven was, "Doris well done, my good and faithful servant". I am sure the Lord said that to her as she entered the Gates of Heaven.

She is survived by her daughters, Melanie Prater, Margaret Ann Jeffries, and Mary Jane Hamilton; grandchildren: Hannah Marshall (Kyle), Benjamin Jeffries (Jessica), Melissa Wallis (Joseph Stombaugh), Hayden Hamilton (Briana), and Rachel Ann Simpson (John); great-grandchildren, Eli Jeffries and Noah Jeffries; sister, Janet Hails; several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Melissa and Joseph for the compassionate care they provided for their grandmother.

The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 6th at Central United Methodist Church in Lenoir City. Funeral services will follow at 3 p.m. with Rev. Scott Layer and Rev. Audrey Madigan officiating. Burial will follow at Lakeview Cemetery. Flowers are welcome and memorials may be made to Pellissippi State Music Program, Hardin Valley Campus. Click Funeral Home, 109 Walnut Street, Lenoir City is in charge of arrangements. clickfuneralhome.com