Barbara Pratt

Tuesday, June 2, 2020,

Barbara Lee Pratt passed away in peaceful serenity at her Orlando residence. She was surrounded by her adoring and devoted family, as well as several of her loyal life-long friends. She was considered a hero by many for supporting and sacrificing three generations of family members serving in the military. These immediate family members were three Decorated Military Officers - her father, her husband and her daughter. Barbara was considered quite a Warrior herself after having five children by the time she was 23 years old!

Barbara Lee Ann Hamilton was born on February 8th, 1940 in Bridgeport Connecticut to Col. Andrew W. and Mrs. Katherine Hamilton.  She was an only child whose father served in WWII and worked out of the Pentagon as the Under Secretary of Munitions during the Korean War. Barbara was a North Carolina state record holder in Master Swimming and she placed in numerous individual events. She was a volunteer for the Red Cross and was nationally selected to be an Elite Instructor Trainer.  While raising five children, Barbara worked full time and went on to receive her BA in Business Administration at Barry University. She then advanced and became a Department Planner at Harris Corporation where she worked for 18 years. Barbara was a devoted daughter and cared for her mother Katherine for 11 years until Katherine’s death at 99 years old.  Barbara will live on in all whom were fortunate enough to have experienced her enigmatic, polite, yet powerful presence. Her healthy humility was complimented by her wonderful wit.

Proceeded in death by her oldest son Thomas Merritt Pratt IV, she is survived by her children; Sheryl Pratt Biermann (Rick), Andrew William Pratt, Mary Katherine Pratt-Weis and Helen Gerie Pratt (Liz). Her Grandchildren: Katrina Green Biermann (Ben), Kristy Biermann, Kaycee Biermann, Thomas O. Weis, Lani Kai Weis, and Deven H. English.

Barbara will forever be in our hearts and, as in life, her essence, spirit and strength will continue to guide us.

We love you Barbara