Virginia Jane Prather Cole

Virginia Jane Prather Cole, 92, passed away on Monday, January 29, after a battle with dementia.   She was born in Rocky Hill, Kentucky and was the daughter of the late Frank (Red) Prather, Sr. and the late Ethel Priddy Prather.  She enjoyed reading and walking her dog, Lucy, in her neighborhood.  

 She was a graduate of North Warren High School and Western Kentucky University.  Virginia was a retired schoolteacher of 28 years and was a substitute teacher for many years after retirement. She taught in the school systems of Jefferson County, Monroe County and Warren County, and spent the majority of her career in the Bowling Green Independent School System, teaching at Parker-Bennett, McNeill and Dishman-McGinnis elementary schools.  

She was a member of First Baptist Church for more than 50 years and was very active in the church. She taught Sunday school and Bible school, served on mission trips, was involved with the Senior Adult Fellowship, and collected money for many years at the Wednesday night suppers at the church. She also volunteered several years as a poll worker during the primary and general elections in Warren County as well as served as an usher at Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center. Virginia also volunteered at the Medical Center at Bowling Green. 

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Gary L. Cole, her brother, Frank Prather, Jr., and several aunts and uncles.

Survivors include her daughter, Denise J. Cole, Bowling Green, nephew David Prather, Rocky Hill, and two nieces, Barbara Prather Johnson (Button), Rocky Hill, and Lynda Prather, Park City.  Great nieces and nephews also survive.

Funeral service for Virginia will be at 10:00 AM Friday at Hardy & Son Funeral Home, Bowling Green Chapel, with burial in Fairview Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Thursday and 9:00 AM until the funeral on Friday at the funeral home.

The family would like to thank Magnolia Village and Charter Senior Living of Bowling Green for their care of Virginia for the past five years.  Expressions of sympathy may be made to First Baptist Church or Bowling Green-Warren County Humane Society.