It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing from this life of Dr. Nelda Hughes Spinks on November 25, 2023, in Ruston, La.  A Visitation is scheduled from 1:00 – 2:00 P.M., Thursday, November 30, 2023, at Kilpatrick Funeral Home Chapel in Ruston. The Service will commence after the Visitation at 2:00 P.M., officiated by Dr. Chris Craig, Pastor of First Baptist Church Ruston, under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home.  Interment will immediately follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Ruston.

Dr. Spinks was born on September 3, 1928, in Ruston.  She was the daughter of the late Willie B. and Mary Elizabeth Hughes.  She married the late Wyman Alison Spinks on June 12, 1948.  They were blessed with their one and only child, a son, Hugh Allison Spinks.

She earned a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and Economics from Louisiana Technology University, a Master of Education in Business Administration from University of Louisiana at Lafayette, as well as a Doctor of Education in Business Education from Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge.

Dr. Spinks had a real passion for education – teaching.  She taught High School for a few years, then taught at the University in Lafayette for many years as a full Professor, inspiring many students.  She was proudest of helping disadvantaged students who might be struggling at the University level.  One of her more interesting accomplishments was being invited to teach in at Guangxi University in Nanning, China in 1997.  She taught Chinese students for a summer on how business communications are done in the U.S.  This was quite an adventure. In addition, she co-authored 2 textbooks on business communication. She received many awards and honors over the years for her achievements in education. At the end of her career, she was Professor Emerita at both Louisiana Tech University and University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

After winding down from her teaching career, she created, edited, and published eTHOUGHTS, a devotional email-based system focused on applying Bible scripture in everyday life, inspiring countless subscribers.

Online condolences may be extended to the family at

www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com

Kilpatrick Funeral Homes – Ruston

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