Eloise Whitaker Praytor, 88

Eloise Whitaker Praytor, age 88 of Mills River went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, March 22nd, 2016 at the Elizabeth House. She was born on September 27th, 1927 in Akron, Ohio; a daughter of the late Lloyd Riley Whitaker and Viva Marie Parker Whitaker. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James Liston Praytor in 2006; and her sister, Margaret Bryson.

Her family returned to Mills River during the Depression. She was reared in Mills River and was a member of Mt. Gilead Baptist Church. She loved nature, hiking and gardening.

She is survived by her three children, Roanell Praytor Hardin, Jerry Lee Praytor and his wife, Jane and Robert Liston Praytor and his wife, Mary; nine grandchildren, Jimmy and David Hardin, Shannon Lynn Hamby, Candy Goings, Laurana Smith, Jason Lee Praytor, Rachel Tabor, Austin Praytor and Ashley Gilliam; nine great-grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; and her three sisters, Thelma Case, Norma Jean Miller and Viola Sitton.

The Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, March 25th, 2016 at Mt. Gilead Baptist Church conducted by the Reverend Robert Ponder. Burial will follow the service in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends this evening, Thursday from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Home.

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com. Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors are in charge of the arrangements.