Van Anthony "Samson" Prather

1993 - 2024

UTICA – Van Anthony "Samson" Prather, age 30, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, August 26, 2024. Although his life was filled with challenges, he embraced it in his own unique way. Born in Memphis, TN on September 2, 1993, Samson was the son of Doris Prather-Fuller. He also knew the love and guidance of his stepfather, Fernando Fuller, whom he loved as his dad. He was raised and educated in Mississippi and was reminiscent of the day he spent time with Eli Manning at school. He received a certificate of completion from the local high school. He was courageous with his obstacles, always facing them head-on; his family was amazed by his strength. He had a beautiful yet mischievous sense of humor, and his laugh always touched your heart. One of the highlights of his life was going to SeaWorld with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. He loved to look good and dress up and he would even help you with the finishing touches of your own fashion. He enjoyed the water and taking car rides. He was also very spiritual and delighted in going to church with his sisters. He could eat everything and anything; he would empty the fridge and place himself among all the "goodies," and he had a knack for locating the kitchen in any household. He also enjoyed spending time at the lake house in the Catskills and relished the peaceful serenity of the water. He could watch cartoons 24/7, especially classics like Donald Duck and Scooby-Doo, always with his signature sippy cup. He is survived by his loving mother, Doris; his "Pops," Fernando; sisters, Valeska Jade Prather, Voertje Destiny Prather, and Vashanti Diamond Prather; grandmother, Mary Magdeline (and the late Rev. Louis Wallae Prather); and step grandmother, Dorothy Prather. He also leaves behind his nephew, Aiden Van Anthony Prather; aunts and uncles, Dottie Vanessa Hines, Theresa Ann Bell, Dana L. Prather, Joann Gunn and the late Jimmy Gunn, the late Anthony Bell, Travis Bell, and David and Monica Prather; great-aunts, great-uncles; many cousins, especially Jackie Gunn; and friends, Annette King, who he adored as a grandmother, and Candice Bibbs, "his girlfriend". Van also knew the love of his godmother, Arita Gibbs. The family wishes to thank Tekeysha Hendricks for her care and compassion, and for leading the family through many obstacles. Thank you as well to Denise Morris, his case manager, for her friendship, love, and care. A Memorial Gathering in Van's honor will be held on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, from 4:30-5:30 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Van's Memorial Service and Home Going Celebration of Life will commence at 5:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Those unable to attend may be present virtually at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88410967357.