Sister Irena Prater Everett was born on October 1, 1940 to Nathaniel Prater, Sr. and Pearl Jackson Prater in Jacksonville, Florida. She was a faithful member of Emanuel Missionary Baptist Church and a member of District 8. She attended the Public Schools of Duval County and worked as a cook at S & S Cafeteria, Cathedral Tower and Mary Ann’s Golden Fried Chicken before retiring.
Sister Everett was known by many for her amazing soul food cooking. All who knew her had an opportunity to enjoy her food and delicious cakes. To her family, she was their “Big Mama”. For years Irena would cook Sunday dinner as a way of uniting her family. The family didn’t have a large dinning area like big mama in the movie Soul Food, but they always had a seat throughout her home to enjoy their meal.
Sister Everett departed this life Wednesday, September 18, 2019. She leaves to cherish precious memories loving daughters, Velma Alexander (Dexter), Ida Scott (Benjamin), Cynthia James (David), Amelia Grant (Joe), Filesia Everett (Johnnie) and Linda Walker; devoted brother, Arthur Lewis Prater; sister-in-law, Lois Prater; 14 grandchildren; 43 great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends including special friend, Lu Singleton.
The funeral service for Irena Everett will be held 11AM, Saturday, September 28th, 2019 at the Emanuel Missionary Baptist Church 2407 S.L. Badger Jr. Circle, E. Jacksonville, FL 32209. The visitation will be 5 - 7PM, Friday, September 27th, 2019 at the mortuary. Interment in Evergreen Cemetery. Please sign the family guest book and view the video tribute @ www.tswarden.com. Arrangements in care of Tyrone S. Warden, FDIC, 4315 N. Main Street, 765-1234