Augustan Prater Vessel entered eternal rest at her residence in Zachary, Louisiana on

Wednesday, March 25, 2026, after a chronic illness. She was an 82-year-old native of

Woodville, Mississippi, and a resident of Zachary, Louisiana. After completing her educational

endeavors, at Johnson High School which soon turned to Wilkinson County Training School,

Augustan Vessel married the late Van Vessel, Jr. Van and Augustan had two children, Carl

Vessel and Angela Vessel. Augustan later served her community as a beloved educator. She was

employed for over thirty years with both the East Baton Rouge Parish Public School System and

the Zachary Community School System. Throughout her tenure, Mrs. Vessel was adored by

teachers, students, and administrators alike. She not only was a beloved educator, but a devoted

wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt. Augustan Vessel was an excellent cook and

meticulous homemaker who ran a tight ship. She was the definition of strength, perseverance,

and fortitude.

Augustan is survived by her son, Carl Vessel (Heidi) of Zachary, LA; sister, Daisy Jean Prater

Russ (Sinclair Russ) of Woodville, MS; and grandchildren; Brittany Vessel, Darius Vessel,

Devante’ Vessel (Rae’Gan) of Killeen, TX, Carlynn Vessel, and Lauren Vessel and a host of

nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 61 years, Van Vessel

Jr., daughter; Angela Marie’ Vessel; parents; Mary Lena Prater and Leon Prater Sr., sisters;

Gloria Prater Vessel, Etherline Prater Williams, Eula Prater Johnson, brothers; Leon Prater, Jr.,

Walter Prater, and Charles Prater. Our family would like to give a special thanks to her personal

caregivers for their continued care and support throughout Augustan’s journey. Viewing will be

held at Sage Hill Baptist Church, 7708 Sage Hill Road, St. Francisville, Louisiana 70775 on

April 4, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. services to be held at 11:00 a.m., presided by Reverand

Leroy Comena. Interment to follow at Southern Memorial Gardens, 3012 Blount Road, Baton

Rouge, Louisiana 70807.