Obituary of Minnie Lee Dortch

Minnie Lee Hayes Dortch, a longtime resident of Morristown, NJ was called home to the Lord on Wednesday, October 21, 2020 at Morristown Medical Center at the age of 79.

Minnie was born in Marengo County, Alabama on August 28, 1941 to the late Alonzo Carl Hayes and Malinda Louise Dixon Hayes Pritchett. She was raised in Alabama in a loving family of 11 children.

When she was 21, Minnie moved to New York City. She married her beloved husband, John Earl Dortch on September 23, 1964 and the couple settled in Morristown, NJ. Eventually the majority of Minnie’s ten siblings would relocate to the area so that the family could remain close together.

Minnie had a long career, beginning at Bamberger’s, Tech Art Plastic, AT&T and retiring from Novartis Pharmaceuticals in East Hanover, NJ. She was a woman of tremendous faith and an active member of Union Baptist Church in Morristown for 50 plus years. She was a faithful member of the Usher Board. Minnie treasured her family and friends and was always taking care of everyone. She also loved butterflies, sweet potatoes, collard greens, the color yellow and her beloved dog, “Pepper”. One of Minnie’s favorite sayings was, “Blessings to all with Peace, Love and God’s Grace”.

In addition to her parents, Minnie was preceded in death by her sisters, Mary Louise “Tee” Jenkins and Annie Merle “Sally” Hayes. She is survived by her beloved husband of 56 years, John Earl Dortch of Morristown; her son, John Darrell Dortch of Morristown; her daughter, Juandera Rena Dortch of Syracuse, NY; her stepson Lamont Marrow of Bethlehem, PA; her brothers, Eugene Hayes (Carolyn) of Morristown, Lee Roy Hayes (Hattie) of Lewisville, TX, Lonnie Hayes (Edna) of Dover, Willie Pritchett (Gwendolyn) of Morris Township, Frank Pritchett (Patricia) of Knightdale, NC, and Arthur Pritchett of Dover; her sisters, Hilda Pritchett of Dover and Elaine Pritchett of Arlington, TX; her three cherished grandchildren, Ja’Nice Locket-Dortch and her husband Delonte Gassaway, Tashir Hosea, and William Dortch; and a host of nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Minnie was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend who was devoted to putting others before herself. She will be deeply missed by all who loved and knew her.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation to celebrate Minnie’s life on Monday, October 26, 2020 from 4:00PM to 8:00PM at the Madison Memorial Home, 159 Main Street, Madison. Homegoing Services will be held for family and close friends on Tuesday, October 27, 2020 at 11:00AM at the Union Baptist Church, 89 Spring Street, Morristown. Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery, Morristown.

** Visitors to the funeral home are asked to wear masks and practice proper social distancing. In order to maintain a safe number of people in the funeral home, we kindly and respectfully ask that after paying your respects you give others the same opportunity by making your visit brief.**