Joe R. Pratt
October 11, 1923 - August 15, 2016

Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home 943 Highway 425 North Monticello, AR 71655 Map & Directions Funeral Service Holmes Chapel Presbyterian Church 527 E. McCloy Monticello ,  AR 71655 8/20/2016 at 10:00 a.m. Map & Directions   Oakland Cemetery 800 North Hyatt St. Monticello, AR 71655 Map & Directions

Joe Ruth Pratt, age 92 of Monticello, passed away Monday, August 15, 2016 at Drew Memorial Hospital in Monticello. Joe Ruth, named after her father was born October 11, 1923 in Ashley County, AR to the late Joe Pratt and Almateen Gray Pratt. She was the third child of seven children.

Being raised in a Christian home, she accepted Christ at a young age which cultivated her love for singing. Joe Ruth loved to sing and she joined the choir at Ash Street Missionary Baptist Church in Dermott, AR, where she remained faithful until she moved to Detroit, MI. While living in Detroit, she joined in the fellowship of Pentecostal Church of God in Christ. After residing in Detroit for 30+ years, Joe Ruth relocated to Monticello, AR, to live with her daughter and son-in-law and joined Holmes Chapel Presbyterian Church remaining faithful until her transition into the Church Triumphant. Every Sunday after church, she would quote “I enjoyed church today.” She really loved her church family.

Joe Ruth Pratt graduated from Chicot County Public School System in Dermott, AR. Among the challenges of life, Joe Ruth contracted rheumatic fever which altered her plans of attending college. Nonetheless, she created opportunities for many lives to be enriched.

All of her siblings preceded her in death. She leaves to cherish her memories, her only child, Rutha Branch and son-in-law, Rev. Dr. Alford Branch of Monticello, AR; four grandchildren, Datron (Carmen) Branch of Allen, TX, Korey Branch of Carrolton, TX, Rev. Kason (Shanea) Branch of Fort Worth, TX, and Rhona Branch of Allen, TX; five great grandchildren, Laila, Owen, Journee, Kayden, and Sydney (the apples of Mama Joe’s eye) and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. To God be the Glory for an amazing legacy!

Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 20, 2016 at Holmes Chapel Presbyterian Church with burial to follow in Oakland Cemetery. Arrangements by Stephenson-Dearman. Online guestbook www.stephensondearman.com.