Helen Pratt

Helen Diann (McCall) Pratt was born to proud parents Herbert and Nellie (Sadberry) McCall on December 14th, 1947 in Elkville, Illinois. She passed away, surrounded by love, on April 29th, 2020 in Kalamazoo, Michigan at the age of 72. The eldest of nine children, Helen nurtured her younger siblings throughout her life. As she grew, so did her generosity and warmth of spirit. After graduating from Kalamazoo Central High School in 1965, Helen eventually pursued an undergraduate degree at Western Michigan University as a nontraditional student and her love of education blossomed. In 1979, Helen married the love of her life Robert Pratt Jr. She went on to graduate from WMU's Lee Honor's College with a BA in Psychology (Summa Cum Laude) in 1980. Soon, Helen and Robert, welcomed two more children. With five children, Helen continue to endeavor for education. She attended classes, researched and wrote papers while wearing one or two babies in a wrap. Her determination paid off and she earned her MA in Clinical Psychology at Western Michigan University in 1984. Helen went on to earn a PhD in Clinical Psychology from WMU in 1988. This was just the beginning. Helen continued to excel in her field and became a Professor at WMU and the Director of Behavioral Pediatrics at MSU/KCMS. Additionally, she served on numerous local, regional, and national boards. By the end of her career, she had authored 200+ published articles and book chapters, supervised numerous residents, taught countless classes, and mentored many students. She worked for nearly 25 years at MSU/KCMS, now Western Michigan University Homer Stryker MD School of Medicine. She was honored to be among the founding faculty of the school and retired as Professor Emerita in the Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine. Despite her many accomplishments, Helen was most known for the love she exuded. She delighted in mothering her children. She poured sage advice, ancestral proverbs, and motherly matter-of-factness into them. She made sure her children always knew their family and tirelessly documented each family branch. Moreover, Helen's mark powerfully reverberates in each life she touched. Though she had five children, she mothered hundreds: nieces & nephews, foster children, students, exchange students, friends, and strangers. Her generosity and boundless love was offered liberally. Her advice and support was always there for those striving to achieve, helping them see their potential and multiple paths to success. Dr. Helen D. Pratt is described by friends and mentees as a fierce advocate for those she knew with a passion for uplifting women. . .a force of nature. Her legacy reminds us to continuously strive to be better and to always help those around us. Helen is preceded in death by her mother and father, son Jeffery L. Moore, brother Clifton McCall, cherished Aunt Minnie Smith, and beloved niece Lola Guy. She is survived by her loving husband of 40 years, Robert E. Pratt Jr., son Kevin Moore, son Terrence (Erinn) Moore, daughter Brandy (Tafari) Brown, son Bo Pratt, special sons Nitin Ruparelia, Oware (Ruth) Adu-Gyamfi, and Justin Nieves, and thirteen cherished grandchildren. She also leaves behind sister Carol McCall, sister Janet (Jerry) Wilson, brothers Herbert McCall Jr., Michael (Diane) McCall, Brian (Susan) McCall, Phillip (Lisa) McCall, James (Monica) McCall, special sister/cousin Jeri Smith, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. A memorial service will be held at a later time. Interment will take place at Fort Custer National Cemetery following the memorial service. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to the Helen D. Pratt Memorial Scholarship at Western Michigan University's Homer Stryker Medical School. Please visit Helen's personalized web page to sign her online guest book or leave a condolence or message for her family at: https://www.langelands.com