Jane Pruitt

Laura Jane Coffey Pruitt, 93, of Mt. Vernon passed away Thursday, September 13, 2012. Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, September 21, 2012, at First Presbyterian Church in Hillsboro following private burial.

Laura Jane Coffey Pruitt was born December 7, 1918 in Hillsboro the daughter of Robert B. and Ruby Beatrice (Roberts) Coffey. After her family moved to Dallas, she graduated from Highland Park High School and Southern Methodist University (SMU), where she received her teaching certificate and then taught elementary students in Highland Park. Jane married Jack Chiles Pruitt on October 20, 1941, in Dallas and they moved to Hillsboro shortly thereafter. They enjoyed 54 years of being together before Jack passed away on December 26, 1995.

Active in her church and the community, Jane served the First Presbyterian Church of Hillsboro as a Trustee and an Elder for more than 25 years. Deeply embedded in the community, Jane was one of the founders of Bond’s Alley Art Show, where she was active for 18 of its 35 years. She was instrumental in the efforts to move the MKT depot to its current location, where it serves as the offices for the Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce. She and Jack also supported numerous other projects in Hillsboro including the Hill County Cell Block Museum, Hill College and its Confederate Research Center, among others.

Jane authored two published books, A History of Bond’s Alley, which raised funds for the children’s area of the Hillsboro Public Library and 100% Cotton, the history of the cotton industry in Hill County, which raised money for the reconstruction of the Hill County Court House after its destruction by fire. Jane retired from the Confederate Research Center, located at Hill College, in August, 2005.

Jane was also preceded in death by her parents and a daughter, Susan Jane Pruitt.

Survivors include her sons, Jack Chiles (Chip) Pruitt, Jr. and wife Jeanni, and Robert Coffey (Bob) Pruitt and Christy; five grandchildren, Amy Jones, Jane Talley, Clint Burleson, Glenna Steward, and Colt Pruitt; and 10 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the Friends Of The Hillsboro Public Library, 118 S. Waco Street, Hillsboro, TX 76645.

Memorial Service

2:00 P.M. ,Friday, September 21, 2012
First Presbyterian Church
301 Old Brandon Road Hillsboro, TX 76645