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Oct. 5, 1933 – Feb. 19, 2023

NATCHEZ – Funeral Services for Exelena Prater Arbuthnot, 89, of Natchez, MS, who died Feb. 19, 2023, will be at 12 p.m., Saturday, at Southwood Lodge Baptist Church with Rev. Tracy Cusic, officiating.

Burial will follow at Southwood Lodge Baptist Cemetery under the direction of Bateaste Memorial Funeral Services.

Visitation will be from 5 until 7 p.m., Friday, at Bateaste Memorial Funeral Services Chapel.

Ms. Arbuthnot is survived by her brother Freddie (Jossie) Bates; six daughters, Betty J. Prater, Mary A. King, Peggy Bacon, Joyce M. Matthews (all of Natchez), Gloria Gennell (Byram, MS) and Ellen L. Washington (Gretna, LA); two step-daughters Pennie (Percy) Price (Hinesville, GA) and Mary L. Bates (Natchez, MS); two sons, Rev. Eugene (Britta) Prater, (Natchez, MS) and Odell Prater (New Orleans, LA); one step-son, Clarence (Debra) Arbuthnot (Gulf Port, MS); daughter-in-law Petricia Prater (Natchez, MS); sister-in-law Josephine Bates (Natchez, MS); special grandson, Minister Jonathan Weathersby (Natchez, MS); bonus son, Eddie Hobson (Natchez, MS); 15 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, 18 great-great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Online condolences can be sent to www.bateastememorial.com.