Patsy Elizabeth "Pat" Souter

Patsy Elizabeth "Pat" Souter, known affectionately as "Pat," age 93, passed away peacefully on December 12, 2025, at Heritage Manor South in Shreveport, Louisiana, Caddo Parish.
Pat was born on January 31, 1932, in Magnolia, Arkansas, to Elbert Monroe Hardy and Ruthie Belle (Camp) Hardy. She was a longtime resident of Magnolia, Arkansas, Columbia County, and remained deeply connected to the community throughout her life.
She graduated from Magnolia High School as a member of the Class of 1949. After the birth of her children, Pat returned to higher education, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from Southern State College in 1967. She later completed her Master of Education degree in 1976.
Pat was formerly married to the father of her children, the late Charles Latson Souter. In her early years, they owned and operated the South Jackson Street Tastee-Freez and later the Texaco Station on West Main Street, both in Magnolia, Arkansas. The family later moved to Springhill, Louisiana, where she assisted in establishing Souter House Moving.
Following her graduation in 1967, Pat returned to Magnolia and began a distinguished career with the Magnolia Public School System, where she served for approximately 30 years until her retirement. During her career, she also worked with the Verbie Graney CARC Center, taught adult education night classes for individuals completing their high school education, served as a cheerleader sponsor at Magnolia Junior High School, and taught reading at Magnolia East Side Elementary School.
One of Pat's most meaningful accomplishments was returning to college at the age of 31 as a single mother raising two young children. Guided by faith, determination, and perseverance, she completed her education and went on to establish a distinguished and fulfilling career in the field of education. Her journey reflected resilience and steadfast commitment, leaving a lasting example for her family and friends of the value of diligence, perseverance, and purposeful living.
Pat touched the lives of countless students throughout her teaching career and took great pride in supporting her family. She was actively involved in the lives of her children, James and Pam, attending every event in which they participated. She continued this devotion with her grandchildren, Chad, Jill, and Chris, faithfully attending their activities and celebrations. Her children and grandchildren were the light of her life and a constant source of joy.
She was a member of First United Methodist Church and United Methodist Women (UMW), and a former member of the Pilot Club. Pat was an avid reader, enjoyed traveling, and was the cherished matriarch of a close and loving family.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Jerry Hardy.
She is survived by her son, James Latson Souter and wife Rhonda of Benton, Louisiana; her daughter, Pam Souter Shemas and husband Mike of Benton, Louisiana; sister-in-law Kay Hardy of Winnsboro, Texas; brother-in-law Dr. Floyd V. Souter of Milledgeville, Georgia; grandson Chad Latson Souter and wife Alex of Benton, Louisiana; grandson Christopher Michael Shemas of Germantown, Tennessee; granddaughter Jill Renae Souter of Benton, Louisiana; great-grandson Fleet Latson Souter; and great-granddaughter Evie Grey Souter, both of Benton, Louisiana.
Visitation will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, December 19, 2025, at Lewis Funeral Home, Inc. in Magnolia, Arkansas. The funeral service will follow at the same location at 2:00 p.m. Interment will take place at Philadelphia Cemetery in Magnolia, Arkansas, immediately following the service.
Pallbearers will be Chris Shemas, Jill Souter, Chad Souter, James Souter, Randy Couch, and Todd Smith.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Philadelphia Cemetery Association, 461 Columbia Road 211, Magnolia, Arkansas 71753, or to First United Methodist Church of Magnolia.