Long-Time Harrison County Teacher, Highly Succesful Coach, Lois Cathern Smith Pratt, Passes at 69
By Connect-Bridgeport Staff on January 14, 2020
Lois Cathern Smith Pratt, 69, of Flemington, WV, passed away on Wednesday, January 8, 2020, after a lengthy illness.
She began her life on a very cold and snowy day November 17, 1950, and was the second of two children born to L. D. and Geraldine Smith. They lived in Clarksburg, WV, for many years surrounded by grandparents, aunts and uncles and lots of cousins.
Lois is survived by one son, Darrell Lee “Duke” Pratt, and his stepchildren: Nikolas, Carli, Dakota and Taylor Espinoza; her only sibling, special sister Linda Rinehart and husband Floyd of New Mexico, and Linda’s two children: niece Elizabeth McCabe and her family from 
Arizona and nephew Benjamin Woosley and his family from California; her 4-legged kids “Kanutzsha” and “Diesel” that were very important to her because over the years, Lois lived in a home in the country and the dogs became not only friends and children, but they also made her feel safe. Also surviving are several cousins, a couple of aunts and a boatload of friends.
Arizona and nephew Benjamin Woosley and his family from California; her 4-legged kids “Kanutzsha” and “Diesel” that were very important to her because over the years, Lois lived in a home in the country and the dogs became not only friends and children, but they also made her feel safe. Also surviving are several cousins, a couple of aunts and a boatload of friends.
After graduating from Washington Irving, Lois received a Bachelor’s Degree from Fairmont State College and a Master’s Degree from WVU. Later, she accumulated many hours toward a Doctorate. Her teaching skills were put to use at both West Milford Elementary School and West Milford Middle School. She retired from teaching after working for 30 years and then continued to work as a substitute teacher for a while in Harrison County.
In addition to teaching, Lois played and coached women’s softball, basketball and volleyball, as well as a statistician for men’s sports. She was honored as Coach of the Year in her league and was noted as one of the oldest female pitchers in W.Va. Other sporting interests included watching the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Pittsburgh Steelers and WVU basketball and football. She either cheered them on or hollered at the TV and dogs, telling them what the team should have done. Once a coach, always a coach.
As children, Lois and her sister attended Sunday School and church at Clarksburg Baptist Church, where they were involved in everything from girls basketball to youth choir, handbell choir, BYF and Guild Girls. It was a real privilege to grow up with so many good people and great advisers in life.
When Lois became unable to care for herself, Duke quit his job as a long- haul truck driver and became a full-time caregiver to his mom. Sometime later, Hospice WV Caring, Stephanie Wiles and several neighbors came to the house and helped with the many aspects of caring for her. This was a real help to Lois and Duke, and the family will always be thankful to them for their help and friendship. They even came during Christmas holidays and sang carols.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Davis-Weaver Funeral Home, 329 E. Main Street, Clarksburg, WV, on Friday, January 17, 2020 from 6-8 p.m.
Online condolences can be made at www.davisweaverfuneralhome.com The Davis-Weaver Funeral Home is honored to serve the Smith Pratt Family during this time.
