Dec. 29, 1953 – May 3, 2019

NATCHEZ— Services for Diane Prater Smith, 65, of Natchez, who died Friday, May 3, 2019, in Natchez, will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Christian Hope Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. John Scott Jr. officiating.     
Burial will follow at Univesta Baptist Church Cemetery in Dolorosa under the direction of West Gate Funeral Home.
Visitation will be from 4 to 5 p.m. today at the funeral home and from 10 a.m. until service time Saturday at the church.
Mrs. Smith was born on Dec. 29, 1953, the daughter of Jim Prater Sr. and Bernice Dennis Prater.
She was a 1971 graduate of the North Natchez High School and a graduate of Delta Business College.
Diane was retired from the Natchez Fire Department and was a member of Christian Hope Missionary Baptist Church where she served on the public relations committee.  She enjoyed writing poetry and reading.
Smith was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Joseph Prater; and two sisters, Shirley Rose Prater and Jessica Denise Prater.
Survivors include one son, Ernest L. Washington; one daughter, Adonica T. Smith; four brothers, Jim Prater Jr., Melvin Prater, Rogers Prater and Sturgis; two sisters, Dora P. Hawkins and Carrie Prater Bailey; two granddaughters, Marissa Washington and Gianna Pernell; and a number of nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at westgatefh.com.