Linda Lou Hughes Prouty was born on November 17, 1944, in Marshall, Texas, the beloved daughter of Albert E. Hughes, Jr. and Emma Lou Britton Hughes. She passed away on March 16, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of faith, intellect, service, and dedication to her community and family.

In 1969, she married The Rev. Malcolm Hersey Prouty, with whom she shared a life rooted in ministry, compassion, and service. Together, they touched many lives through their commitment to faith and guidance, particularly among young people in the Episcopal Church.

She received her early education in the Marshall Public School System before continuing her academic journey at Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama. She later earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1980 from the University of South Alabama College of Nursing, where she distinguished herself as an exceptional scholar.

Her academic excellence was recognized through membership in numerous national honor societies, including Phi Eta Sigma, Alpha Lambda Delta, Alpha Chi, Sigma Theta Tau (Zeta Gamma Chapter), and Mortar Board. She was also named to the National Dean’s List and honored as a University of South Alabama President’s Scholar. In 1981, she received the Distinguished Academic Achievement Award from the University of South Alabama Chapter of Mortar Board.

Throughout her life, she remained deeply committed to service and advocacy. From 1957 to 1980, she actively participated in church and civic organizations and was engaged in civil rights efforts, inner-city summer camp programs, and other community-based initiatives. She served as a mentor and guide for Episcopal Young Churchmen, offering wisdom, encouragement, and faith-centered leadership.

She had a lifelong passion for history, reflected in her work as a collector of antique newspapers and rare documents. Her dedication to research led her to contribute to projects with the Texas A&M Archaeological Research Laboratory.

In addition to her many accomplishments, she was widely respected as a reputable show breeder of champion English Springer Spaniels for over 40 years, a pursuit she approached with knowledge, care, and pride.

She will be remembered for her intelligence, her generosity of spirit, her deep faith, and her unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.

She was preceded in death by her husband, The Rev. Malcolm Hersey Prouty; her parents, Albert E. Hughes, Jr. and Emma Lou Britton Hughes; her brothers, Gary Dean Hughes and Robert Edward Hughes; her sisters, Dolly Jean Fyffe and Emma “Cookie” Jarrell; her stepson, William Hersey Prouty; and her step-grandson, Brian Donold Horry.

She is survived by her beloved and faithful companion, Paco; her nephew, Kirby Lewis Jarrell and his wife, Lisa Jarrell; her niece, Karen Fyffe Depperschmidt and her husband, Paul Depperschmidt; her nephews, Kenny Hughes and his wife, Mary Hughes, Greg Hughes; and her niece, Sharon Tuttle and her husband, David Tuttle; her stepchildren, Nancy Marie Garbade, Richard Lawrence Garbade, and Donold Henry Garbade; her adopted-by-love son, Alvin Yates; her cherished friends, Brenda Wilkins, Donna Bryant, and Jennifer Wagley; and a wide circle of beloved friends, including many veterinarians, doctors, and others whose lives she touched.

A service to celebrate her life will be held on May 19, 2026, at Holy Cross Episcopal Church, 875 Cotton Street, Shreveport, Louisiana 71101.

https://www.downsfuneralhome.com/obituary/linda-prouty