By KIM LANIER

Staff Reporter

Jamie Catlin Praytor, a longtime Realtor and founder of Praytor Realty, who worked diligently with numerous charities and civic groups, died Friday. Praytor, 69, suffered from cancer, according to relatives.

Mobile Mayor Sam Jones expressed sympathy to Praytor's family and described her death as a significant loss to the community.

Jones said that he had the opportunity over 15 years to work with Praytor through her many activities. Recalling Praytor's pioneering efforts to help establish McKemie Place, a shelter for homeless women and children, Jones remembered her as someone who could be depended upon and who could take the lead and get things done.

"She was a tremendous asset to the community," Jones said.

Praytor served as co-chair of one of former Mayor Mike Dow's campaigns. Dow remembered her as a special woman who had a hug and smile for everyone.

"She was one of those people that, when they pass, you realize how precious life is. My heart goes out to the family. There wasn't but one Jamie," Dow said.

Jeff Newman, executive director of the Mobile Area Association of Realtors, praised Praytor's integrity and professionalism.

"Jamie was a role model for all Realtors," Newman said.

"She was highly respected among her peers. She was an honest and giving person."

After graduating from Murphy High School, the Mobile native worked as a secretary in the Merchants National Bank building.

After marriage, Praytor stayed at home to raise her children and later re-entered the workforce as a real estate agent with Gene Duke, advancing to broker and sales manager. She opened her own Praytor Realty in August 1974 with an all-female sales staff.

She was named Realtor of the Year in 1981.

Praytor was elected president of the local Board of Realtors and became president of the state association in 1992. Earlier this year, the Mobile Association of Realtors established a humanitarian award named for Praytor.

Praytor was active in charity work while she stayed at home raising her children. After returning to the workforce, she was affiliated in various capacities with many civic, charitable and professional organizations. A few included the National Association of Realtors, Alabama Association of Realtors, Mobile Area Association of Realtors, Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce, Art Patrons League, Florence Crittendon Home Auxiliary Board, and the Southwest Chapter March of Dimes.

In 2001, she was chosen as the First Lady of Mobile.

She also served on a special panel to study funding for Mobile County public schools, and was involved in state trade missions to Japan through the Alabama Development Office Advisory Board.

Most recently, she served as chairwoman of the Homeless Coalition Task Force. She was involved with the Salvation Army and in fundraising for the American Diabetes Association.

A lifelong member of All Saint's Episcopal Church, Praytor had been stewardship chairwoman, a vestry member, an Altar Guild group leader and a president of the women of the church.