Eunice M. Fontenot: Soil Science and Turf Grass

Mrs. Eunice M. Fontenot leaves a legacy with the LSU Foundation for the benefit of future soil scientists.

The USDA Soil Conservation Service brought Eunice and D. L. "Doc" Fontenot together in 1936. Eunice was a secretary for the service and Doc was a soil scientist. When Doc passed away in 2001, Eunice wanted to do something to honor their careers with soil science and turf grass. She and her financial planner looked at ways in which she could leave a gift, have a nice tax deduction and still retain a life income. Mrs. Fontenot had some bonds that were not performing particularly well. She asked about a charitable gift annuity. At the tender age of 93, Mrs. Fontenot will receive an 11.3 percent annuity payment for the rest of her life.

Mrs. Eunice Fontenot made her generous gift, receives an up front tax deduction and a much better return for her money.