Nancy Hunter Prather of Banner Elk, NC, and formerly of Georgetown, KY, passed away peacefully on August 6, 2017, after 74 years of laughter, love, family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold B. Prather and Nancy Jean Welles Prather.

Nancy is survived by her children: Lisa B. Hypes (Charlie), Beech Mountain, NC, and Andrew C. Bernard (Trisha), Lexington, KY; Grandchildren: Zachary Hypes (Samantha), Ethan Hypes (Bailey), Ellie Bernard, Matthew Bernard, Tanner Crabtree (Tommy) ; Brothers: John B. Prather (Susannah) and Tom Prather (Maureen); and, since Nancy was always the “cool” aunt, Nieces and Nephews: Elizabeth Gabehart, Brian Prather, Laura Prather and Jessica Prather. Dorothy Butler was a special friend.

Drawing upon the strength of her Georgetown roots and her own rebellious nature, Nancy had the courage as a single mom to earn a nursing degree locally and then move with two young children to North Carolina to complete her training as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. Nancy then served a long and honorable professional career giving care to veterans in Veterans Administration hospitals and, later, the UK Medical Center.

Nancy’s remarkable joy for life included many wonderful things we will celebrate. She was always ready for anything with children, family, work, social responsibility, Bluegrass and country music, festivals, great food, drink, dogs, cats, smiley faces, and anything social.

She jumped out of an airplane, traveled with Andrew to Europe, rode a Harley from North Carolina to the annual rally in Sturgis, ND, loved square dancing and helped start and contributed to many square dance clubs. Nancy always found the perfect gift or greeting card. And she might have been the best Christmas stocking-stuffer ever!

In retirement, Nancy returned to the mountains of North Carolina to her dream home near nature, flowers and family. This beautiful lady loved and was loved. We will miss her dearly.

A visitation and memorial service will be held for Nancy on August 26, 2017, with visitation from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Memorial Service at 5 p.m., at Johnson’s Funeral Home, 641 S. Broadway, Georgetown, KY. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to UK HealthCare Office of Philanthropy, PO Box 34184, Lexington, KY 40588, to support the Organ Donor Celebration of Life Wall endowment.

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