Sylvia Mae Prather Hellard, 69, of Richmond, passed away Wednesday, March 20, 2024 at St. Joseph Hospital in Lexington.

Born November 23, 1954 to the late Nathan Reed & Bertha Owens Prather, she worked for many years as an accountant, office manager and realtor. Sylvia took great pride in being an OWL – Older Wiser Learner and went on to graduate in 2009 with a Bachelor's Degree from Eastern Kentucky University, where she was on the Dean's List and in the Honors Program, and later pursued her Master's.

Surviving are a daughter, Kimberly Hellard of Richmond; a brother, Jackie Prather of Ohio; a sister, Delores "Terri" Carswell of Richmond; a special granddaughter who she raised, Ciara Hellard; 7 additional grandchildren: Christopher & Aspen Robinson, and Raven, Brianna, Phillip "P.J.", Cheyanna & Ariana Hellard; and a lifelong best friend, Phyllis Hellard, along with a large extended family.

Also preceding her in death were her son, Phillip James Hellard; and 5 siblings: Bobby, Deborah, Danny & Barbara Prather and Arlene Merritt.

In accordance with her wishes, Sylvia will be cremated with no formal services at this time.