E. Marlene Prather

E. Marlene Prather, born on July 21, 1959, in New Brunswick, NJ, peacefully passed away on October 28, 2025, in Newport News, VA, at the age of 66. Her vibrant spirit and enduring love left an indelible mark on everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.

Marlene was a woman full of life, whose laughter was both infectious and abundant. She possessed a unique gift for humor, always ready with a playful joke or witty remark, especially directed toward those she held close to her heart. Her family knew that when she teased them, it was a sure sign of her affection.

Her love for action movies, particularly those featuring Steven Seagal and Chuck Norris, was well-known among friends and family. She once called Iron Man boring because it did not have enough explosions. Music was another passion, and gospel melodies frequently filled her home, providing comfort and inspiration.

A true adventurer at heart, Marlene loved to travel and experience new cultures and places. In her younger years, she graced the stage as part of community theatre, sharing her talents and bringing stories to life. Her love for dogs, the color red, and her unwavering faith were pillars of her identity.

Marlene was a devoted member of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Hampton, VA, where her faith flourished. She served her country with honor in the United States Army, a testament to her courage and dedication.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jerry Lucas; her parents, Julian and Vivian Anderson; and her brothers, Kevin, and Frank Anderson. She is survived by her loving children, Tiffany (Eric) Daniels and Leon (Anna) Prather; her cherished 12 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren; and her brothers, Julian Jr., Kermit, and Julius Anderson. Marlene also leaves behind a host of dear friends who will miss her deeply.

Services celebrating Marlene's remarkable life will be held at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Hampton, VA, Friday November 14, 2025, followed by burial at Albert G. Horton, Jr. Veterans Cemetery to be announced at a later date.

In honoring her memory, we are reminded of Marlene's deep love for her family, her unwavering faith in the Lord, and the joyous laughter she brought into our lives. She will forever be remembered and cherished in our hearts.