While Molly Pruitt may have appeared understated, her modest demeanor overlaid myriad talents, passions and a desire to serve. Molly was born to John H. and Mina Gibson in Cleveland, OH in 1930, where she lived until she left for Mt Holyoke College to earn her bachelor’s degree, and then went on to Harvard for her master’s degree in education. In 1959, Molly moved to San Antonio with her husband, Basil Pruitt, a surgeon who was posted at Ft. Sam Houston and went on to command the Burn Unit at Brooke Army Medical Center for many years.
As a devoted mother of three, Molly served as a Cub Scout Den Mother and Girl Scout troop leader. Music was one of her passions, and Molly was an accomplished pianist and church organist. She continued to study organ and voice at UTSA for many years. She also sang in the choir at Alamo Heights Methodist Church later in life.
Molly was equally passionate about education and held leadership positions in the PTAs of Windcrest Elementary, Ed White Middle School and Roosevelt High Schools. In 1984, she was elected to the Board of the Northeast Independent School District (NEISD) and served in different positions for 24 years, including as Chair; she was also a Northeast Educational Foundation Board Member. NEISD honored her with construction of the The Molly Pruitt Library at Roosevelt High School in 2009. The only dual-use school and public library in central Texas, it serves students at Roosevelt High School while also providing resources and programming to the broader community. One of Molly’s greatest joys was participating as a long-time member of the Assistance League of San Antonio, where she served as President in 2015. She also loved working in the Assistance League Thrift Shop, enjoying fellow members and interacting with shoppers. Later in life, Molly became a die-hard Spurs fan (with a particular affinity for Tim Duncan and Manu).
Molly is survived by her sons Scott Pruitt of Durham, NC, and his wife Sandy Heard, and Jeffrey Pruitt of Dallas; her daughter Laura Pruitt of Washington DC; and her grandchildren Sara Pruitt of Durham, NC, Samuel Pruitt of Barrington, NJ, and his partner Emma Bonsted, Sydney Pruitt of Richmond, VA and Seth Pruitt of Durham, NC; her brother-in-law John Pruitt, and his wife Marianne of Carrollton, TX and their family. She also recently celebrated the arrival of her first great granddaughter, Elena Pruitt.
A memorial service to celebrate Molly’s life will be held on June 23, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Alamo Heights Methodist Church, 825 E Basse Rd, San Antonio, TX 78209, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Molly’s memory to either the Assistance League of San Antonio (https://www.assistanceleague.org/san-antonio/) or The Molly Pruitt Library (https://www.saplf.org).
