Dortha Jean Parker Davidson

Dortha Jean Parker Davidson passed away June 15, 2017 at home; she was 80 years old. She was born on July 9, 1936, in Murray, Kentucky where she was raised.

Dortha is preceded in death by her husband Jack. They enjoyed 54 years of marriage raising three sons and later becoming active in the lives of their families. While living in Fort Worth, TX, Dortha and Jack formed lifetime friendships that shared years of travel, square dancing and many social outings. A lady of strong faith and conviction, Dortha was active in Bible Study Fellowship and served as a group leader. She held many roles in the church including head of Women's Ministry at First Baptist Colleyville (TX) and Sunday School teacher at Sagamore Hill Baptist Church, Fort Worth. Dortha and her circle of friends prayed passionately for others near and far through her inclusion in Gracious Godly Southern Women prayer group founded there. Before leaving Fort Worth, Dortha and Jack were attending North Hills Baptist Church.

Upon moving to Madison, MS to be near family and grandchildren, Dortha joined Broadmoor Baptist Church and continued her involvement in Bible Study Fellowship. She was a member of the Raymond McMullan life group and enjoyed the camaraderie of believers and their ministry in the local community.

Dortha attended Murray State University and graduated with a degree in home economics from the University of Tennessee. She went on to share this knowledge and other life skills to many students enrolled in the Fort Worth public school system and retired after 30 years of teaching. After retirement, Dortha's devotion to her family continued through the many Thanksgiving dinners lovingly prepared and frequent travel to visit her children and grandchildren for many milestones and celebrations. She found joy in each costume she sewed and every birthday cake she prepared for her grandchildren. She enriched their lives with her presence while teaching faithfulness and grace.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Hafford and Birdie Parker; brothers James, Joe, John and Pat Parker. She is survived by her three sons, Stephen Fredrick and wife Clay of Ridgeland, MS; Mark Edward and wife Jan of Colleyville, TX; and John Lee and wife Marisa of Madison MS. She is known as "Grandma" by her six grandchildren whom she loved so dearly: Brittany Davidson Kinney (Colton), McKinney, TX, Lauren Davidson Marrow (JD), Hurst,TX, John Clayton and Mary Parker Davidson, Ridgeland, MS and Marisa Lee "Malee" and Ty Hafford Davidson, Madison, MS. Dortha is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews.

The family will hold graveside services at Murray City Cemetery, Murray, Kentucky on Sunday, June 25, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. The J.H. Churchill Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. Memorials may be made to The Gideons International or a charity of your choice.

Online condolences can be left at www.thejhchurchillfuneralhome.com