Julia Ann (Greene) Pratt

Julia Ann (Greene) Pratt, 84, of McKeesport, was born July 5, 1938, in Smithdale, PA.  Beloved daughter of the late Augustus Greene Sr., and Bessie (Jones) Greene, she was raised with five other siblings—Addie, Alise, Augustus (Gus), Evelyn, and Betty Elaine (Laney). Julia was affectionately nicknamed “Bootsie” by her big sister, Alise.  She was affectionately known by this nickname her whole life.

Julia married the love of her life, Stanford R. Pratt, Sr., on June 30, 1956. He lovingly referred to his young bride as “Boots.”  Julia was a stay-at-home mother for many years while raising her seven children.  This gave her the opportunity to be involved in many facets of their school life – a member of the PTA and a homeroom mother. She enjoyed attending her children’s sports, choral concerts, vocational, and other extracurricular activities.  Julia eventually became employed as a home health aide—a career she thoroughly enjoyed. She also served at McKeesport Area School District as a lunch aide, working in this capacity for over 10 years.  She was a true advocate for the students while there.

Julia was passionate about reaching out to others, whether it involved helping with cleaning, attending to the sick, or sending cards and gifts to others for birthdays and holidays.  She had a sweet way of making people feel very special!

During her youth and into adulthood, Julia Pratt was a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Smithdale, PA. She sang in the choir and served as a Sunday School teacher. She also represented Bethlehem Baptist as a delegate during the Baptist Conventions.  She later became a member of Gethsemane COGIC in Clairton, PA.., under the leadership of Elder Alexander McLean around 1970 and became a born-again Christian shortly thereafter. Julia loved The Lord.  She, along with her husband Stanford taught their children about Him, and they were also a great example to others by how they lived and loved. While a member of Gethsemane, Julia was a member of the Adult Choir.  She eventually joined Trinity COGIC in McKeesport, PA., under the leadership of Bishop James M. Foster, and was a very active, dedicated member of various auxiliaries over the course of 40-plus years. She served as a Missionary, president of the Pastor’s Aide Committee, and a member of the Senior Choir. She served on the Usher Board at Trinity COGIC as well as the State Usher Board and was a member of the Ministers’ Wives Committee. Julia Pratt loved planning the Black History Programs each year. The events were successful, and proceeds went toward Pastor’s Aide. She was also a member of The Mother’s Board. She could always be found helping during other programs and activities.  She was very gifted and passionate in the "Help" ministry. Whatever her hands found to do, she truly did with all her might, and with love.

Mother Julia Pratt departed this life peacefully at 1:15 A.M. on Tuesday, June 27, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. She was preceded in death by her husband, Stanford R. Pratt, Sr.; daughter, Dawn M. Drake; sister, Evelyn (Greene) Thomas; sister, Addie (Greene) Everett brother, Augustus Greene, Jr.; and sister, Betty Elaine (Greene) Bynum.

Julia is survived by her children, Darnise L. Lester of McKeesport, PA; Stanford R. (Debra) Pratt, Jr., of Pittsburgh PA; Evelyn M. (Nathaniel) Newsome of Elizabeth, PA; Sherry E. (Pastor Guy) Johnson of McKeesport, PA; Myrna V. (Lewis) Pratt-Hazen of Savannah, GA; and Aaron D. (Jamie) Pratt of Jefferson Boro, PA;  28 Grandchildren; 28 Great-grandchildren; sister, Alise Wall of McKeesport, PA whom she loved and cherished very much;  and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.  Mother Julia Pratt’s love for God, love for family, quiet demeanor, and care for others is how she will always be remembered.

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