Remembering Eva Prather Smith
It is with a heavy heart that MADD Georgia shares MADD Volunteer and Walton County Chapter Leader Mrs. Eva Smith passed away at the age of 63 on February 15, 2018 at 1:58pm of terminal cancer and a stroke.
Eva joined MADD after her husband Thomas Prather was killed and their 14 year old son, Leon Prather, was injured in Henry County on May 25, 1992 on Memorial Day Weekend. Eva volunteered after the crash but increased her involvement on September 22, 2003 when she decided to dedicate herself full-time to MADD’s mission. Eva became the Walton County Chapter Leader and started a MADD Victim Impact Panel in Monroe where she shared her story. Eva was a huge supporter of law enforcement and officers affectionately called her “Momma Eva.” Eva worked many checkpoints in the CRTEN Central Region Traffic Enforcement Network area, hosted her own Law Enforcement Banquet, and supported their efforts to keep us safe.
Eva was well known in the community for the Red Ribbons she placed all over the city of Monroe in October, the MADD holiday Tie One On For Safety Campaign, and her work with the Boys and Girls Club in Monroe. With support of her husband Larry Smith and their son Bradley, as well as Leon’s children and Eva’s grandkids, Stephanie and Austin, the work with MADD was a family affair. Eva was later joined by Brenda Sneed who became her MADD partner and best friend. They worked as a team to end drunk driving, help fight drugged driving, support the victims of these violent crimes and prevent underage drinking.
The City of Monroe Police Department served as pall bearers and MADD red ribbons were tied to her casket at her funeral which was held on February 19th in Monroe, GA. The South Georgia Chapter from Moultrie, Eva’s hometown, honored her at their Law Enforcement Banquet on February 23rd with a plaque. She was a beloved member of MADD Georgia for 25 years and Walton County Chapter Leader for 15 years. She will be missed by so many. MADD sends our thoughts, prayers and our love to all those who knew her.
Eva is survived by her husband Larry Smith Sr., her sons James “Jaime” Taylor, Leon Prather, and Larry “Bradley” Smith, Jr., grandchildren, Brittany Taylor, Courtney Taylor, Stephen Taylor, Heaven Taylor, James Taylor, Serenity Taylor, Scarlet Denny, Stephanie Prather, Austin and Hunter Prather; and great grandchildren, Brandon Taylor, Daniel Taylor, Brynlee Taylor, Aria Rae Denny, and Kyler Prather.
The photos included below Eva getting volunteer awards from MADD over the years.
2004:
2007:
2009:
2011:
2013:
2016:
2018:
