Van A. Pratt decided it was time for her to walk around heaven the morning of December 10, 2014. Celebration of her life will take place on Friday, December 19, 2014 with a viewing at Klingner-Cope Family Funeral Home located at 1635 N. Benton Avenue, Springfield, MO 65803 from 5 to 7 p.m. and full celebration on Saturday, December 20, 2014 at Washington Avenue Baptist Church located at 1722 N. National Avenue, Springfield, MO 65803 at 10 a.m.
For 83 years of life, her greatest accomplishment was her four children: H. Wesley Pratt (Francine), Henry Pratt (Brenda), Jocelyn Pratt (deceased), Dwight Pratt (Becky) and her other sons Howell Lewis III and Randy Baland (Josephine). Wesley was married to Brenna Pratt and through this union Briana (Reggie), Bleeka and Brion were born. Henry and Brenda are the parents of Dacia (Leonar) and Joshua (Lisa). Dwight and Becky are the parents and step parents of LaToya, Tana, Brandon (Deceased), Martell, Anthony and Slater. Ms. Van cherished her 11 grandchildren and always had words of wisdom for them. She says farewell to her 19 great grandchildren: Brevin, Bria, Braeden, Alexandria, Ashleigh, Alyssa, Aidan, Anthony, Henry, Trey, Malik, Jade, Paul III ("Duce"), Saquest, Amarre, Aundrea, Ahsan, Avi and David. As well as her two great-great grandchildren Laila and Arionna.
As Van was preparing for her transition, she made a powerful spiritual connection with her longtime friend of 63 years, Ms. Alma Clay. Ms. Van''s biological parents and her great Aunt and Uncle, Joe and Stella Brown, ascended many years ago. She lost contact with her two brothers Will ("Hollywood") and Glen Harris. She leaves behind a host of other family members, friends and others that revered her as "Ms. Van."
Online condolences may be made at www.klingner-midtown.com.