Clara Elizabeth (Merrill) Dortch

Clara (Mama/Mommy/Granny, Aunt, and friend) 88 years old of Newton, Texas went to meet our Lord on Monday, September 18, 2023. 

Clara is predeceased by her husband James Dortch Sr., her mother (Myrtle Quintin KinCannon Booth), father (Fred Stewart Merrill), two brothers and one sister, along with one son, James Dortch Jr.

Clara is survived by three daughters, Clara Evans (Nelson), Valerie Mouhot, Nonie Powers, and one son Quint Dortch Sr (Florence) and numerous granddaughters, grandsons, great grand-children, great great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. 

Clara was born in Houston, Texas.   She met and married Jimmy in

Port Isabel, Texas. 

After their first child, she moved when Jimmy was re-stationed to Key West, Florida where they had two more children. They moved to the Houston area. That is when the last two children were born. 

Clara spent the majority of her life as a mother and homemaker. 

After Jimmy’s retirement, she and Jimmy followed his dream of owning a house and property in the country and bought property in Bedias, Texas where she and Jimmy lived until Jimmy’s passing. 

She moved to Newton, TX where her children live. Clara loved her children and family more than she loved herself. She said, “The happiest days of my life were the day I got married and the days my children were born. She recently told her oldest daughter, Clara, to please tell everyone that they are loved and that she appreciates the well wishes that she received over the past few months. 

Honorary Pallbearers are: Quint Dortch Sr., Kenneth Luedicke, Nelson Evans, Ronnie Bassell Jr, Ronnie Bassell III., Cory Bassell, Alvin Hammer, Daniel Dortch, Mathew Dortch, Christopher Dortch, Quint Dortch Jr., Dakota Rivas, Camran Nallie, and Martin Nallie. 

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Clara Elizabeth (Merrill) Dortch, please visit our Tree Store.