Linda Prater Dortch

Linda Prater Dortch age 74 of Paris, TN, passed away September 14, 2024, in Atlanta, GA.

Linda was born December 14, 1949, in Memphis, TN, to the late Wyvonna Moll Prater and the late Robert Prater, who lived in Marked Tree, Arkansas.

Her mother later moved to Paris, TN, where Linda attended middle school, and then graduated from E. W. Grove High School in 1968. She attended the University of Tennessee at Martin graduating with a BA in Education in 1972.

She married the late Dick Dortch from Paris, TN, in 1973, and they lived in Memphis, TN, for 40 years where their two children were born and raised.

Her 30-year career as an elementary teacher was to be admired. She especially loved Macon Hall Elementary School in Germantown, TN, where she was presented the Macon Hall Beta Award for Steady Service and Support. Her goal was always to make sure her classroom felt like a second home for all her students.

Linda possessed a strong Christian faith. John 17:13 encapsulates her belief and trust in her Lord and Savior. It states “I have told you these things, so that in Me you should have peace. In this world you may have tribulation but be of good cheer. I have overcome the world.”

The last 12 years of her life she lived in Atlanta and Nashville, with the last four years in Paris. 

She is survived by a son, Richard (Shannon) Dortch and their children, Samuel, Noah, and Charlie all of Phoenix, AZ; a daughter, Sally (Jimmy) Cotty, and their children, Kenston, Olivia, Huck, and Davis, all of Atlanta, GA; two sisters, Kathy (Dr. Scott) Portis, Becky Davenport both of Paris, TN; and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. 

In addition to her parents and husband, she was also preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Don Davenport.

Ridgeway Funeral Home 201 Dunlap St./ P.O. Box 788, Paris, TN 38242, will be handling the local arrangements. Services celebrating her life will be held Saturday, October 19, 2024, at 2:00 pm with Carol Peppler officiating. Memorial visitation will begin at 12:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials may be made to CurePSP www.psp.org.