Areatha Jean Pratt, age 89 of Church Hill, passed away quietly and peacefully at her home in the presence of her family on Thursday, January 29, 2026.  Areatha was the daughter of Robert and Leathie Bowman, and she was born at their home in Castlewood, VA on September 2, 1936.  Areatha grew up fiercely proud of her Cherokee heritage during a time when it was not so popular.  She proudly and plainly displayed her dark skin, coarse black hair and facial features that she shared with her siblings.  Being raised in a spiritually devoted family, her faith never wavered throughout her life.  

Areatha sang beautifully, and at an early age, she sang in church.  Despite not knowing how to read music, she taught herself to play the piano, organ, and accordion.  Later in her life, she taught herself to read and write music, and eventually she wrote and recorded her own songs.   

She was always very independent and individualistic.  At times she could be defiant and fiery, but she was always kindhearted, friendly and respectful to others.  Areatha married at an early age (16), which was characteristic of her generation in the South, and she dropped out of school in the 10th grade.  At age 18, Areatha became a mother, and she loved her children dearly.   

Areatha was always busy, and she was known for going out on a whim and frequently rearranging furniture, papering and repainting the walls, ceiling and floors of her home.  She loved being creative and she always had a new craft or art project in the making.   

After her two children were raised and on their own, Areatha decided to renew her education and pursue a career.  In her mid 30’s, she obtained her G.E.D. and started college at ETSU.  She obtained a bachelor's degree and a master’s degree in education within a surprisingly short period of time.  She taught school in Hawkins County, TN and eventually retired from Church Hill Middle School. 

After retiring, she devoted her time to her family, homemaking and her never-ending love of arts and crafts.  Areatha remained youthful and active, always proud of her youthful looks and beauty.  Eventually, life and age gained the upper hand, and Areatha endured a rapidly declining health just a few months before her death. 

Areatha was preceded in death by her father and mother, Robert and Leathie Bowman; her devoted husband, James; four brothers, Dewey, James, Bobby and Gerona; and five sisters, Goldie, Ruth, Gerry, Dorothy and Judy.  Those left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Debbie; son, Keith; four grandchildren, Miranda, Kaleb, Kalex and Jazzlyn; two great grandchildren, Mason and Kingston; and her significant other, Michael. 

Areatha’s final wishes were to be cremated, and her family gather in a private ceremony and tribute, with no formal public service.   

Areatha will be dearly missed; all her treasured memories and teachings that she gave us will live on in our hearts until we ourselves pass on as well.   

Carter-Trent Funeral Home Church Hill is serving the Pratt family.