Phil Hicks

Tyler and East Texas lost a true sportswoman and civic leader this week when Mrs. Mary Prud'homme passed away.

Today, the term soccer mom is used, but for Mrs. Prud'homme it was Sports Mom.

She represents the sports moms out there who sit through countless games for the love of their children and the sport.

Her husband, Dr. Joseph Prud'homme, played basketball at Tyler Junior College under legendary Coach Floyd Wagstaff.

Her children -- Carol, Sharon, Joey, Steven and Sheila -- were all very active at T.K. Gorman High School.

Joey was a standout football player for the Crusaders, while Steven was a star basketball player. They later coached at TKG before moving to the Metroplex.

Both now coach at Fort Worth Nolan Catholic High School where Joey led the Vikings to the TAPPS Division I state football championship last December.

And Steven's basketball teams have made numerous Final Four appearances.

Their passion for coaching and being successful were a gift from their parents.

During the funeral mass Wednesday at The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Monsignor Joseph Strickland said Mrs. Prud'homme, "got it."

He noted how Mrs. Prud'homme was a "wonderful example of worthy public service" and was "involved in serving others."

As Father Joseph said, it might be easier to list what organizations that Mrs. Prud'homme was not involved with.

She had the true sense of volunteerism and service to her community.

Two of her more passionate activities involved working with the East Texas Fair, in which she served as president, and the Tyler Catholic School Foundation.

Other organizations she was involved with included: Girl Scouts USA, American Heart Association Board-CPR instructor, Tyler YMCA past president, Trinity Mother Frances Foundation Board, Smith County Medical Alliance, Smith County Drug and Alcohol, Tyler Catholic School Board, Immaculate Conception Altar Society, East Texas Cattle-Ettes, East Texas Piney Woods Cattlewomen, Texas Cattlewomen, PTA, Smith County Forage & Livestock and Texas Beef Council.

The list could go on and on.

Steven said of his mother that great people inspire and move you where you need to go.

Mrs. Prud'homme was that.

She will be missed.

-- -- --

If desired, memorials may be made to East Texas State Fair/Park of East Texas Building Fund, 2112 W. Front St., Tyler, 75702; or Tyler Catholic School Foundation, P.O. Box 131175, Tyler, 75713.

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