Dorothy Louise Morris

Dorothy Louise Boatner Morris was born on April 19, 1944. She was the first of three children born to parents Lorene Sanders and Sam Boatner, Sr. in Ruston Louisiana.

At an early age she became a member of New Prosperity Baptist Church of Clay, Louisiana, where she learned love and compassion. Dorothy carried these traits with her throughout her life and used them to help uplift spirits.

As a proud graduate of Ruston’s Lincoln High School, Class of 1962, Dorothy was a member of the National Association of Lincolnites. She attended many high school reunions in Louisiana and was also an active member of the local Dallas Chapter.

Dorothy graduated from Grambling State University and became an educator. She first taught school in Webster Parish, Louisiana before moving to Dallas, Texas. As an instructor, Dorothy played a vital role in shaping the minds of the future. She not only imparted knowledge but gave guidance and encouragement as well.

Dorothy was joined in holy matrimony to Raschard Alijahdey (formerly Richard Morris). To this union were born their daughter Yolanda Raquel Morris and son Richard Ryan Morris. Dorothy and Raschard celebrated their 49th anniversary on August 27, 2025.

Dorothy was one of the founding committee members of the Nicholson-Young Family Reunion (est. 2001). Over the years she researched and wrote about the history and genealogy of the Nicholson-Young family that settled in Lincoln Parish, Louisiana.

She enjoyed making these discoveries and sharing the family memories because she knew the importance of understanding family roots and legacy. For each biennial family reunion, she would expand the written history. The last iteration done for the 2023 reunion in Dallas was titled “Things We Don’t Want To Forget.”

Dorothy had a zest for life and an adventurous spirit. She enjoyed traveling, gardening, and family gatherings. Dorothy was an accomplished and inspiring woman, who lived a rewarding and meaningful life. She touched countless lives, and her absence will be felt deeply by so many people.

Dorothy was preceded in death by parents Sam and Lorene Boatner, and brother James Allen Boatner. She leaves to cherish her memory her beloved husband Raschard Alijahdey, beautiful children Yolanda Raquel Morris and Richard Ryan Morris, brother Sam Boatner, Jr. and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to any charity of your choice.

A visitation will be held at Laurel Land Funeral Home & Laurel Land Memorial Park, located at 6300 S R L Thornton Fwy, Dallas, TX 75232, on January 16, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

The funeral service will take place at the same venue on January 17, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am., followed by a reception.

The committal service will be held at Moore Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens, located at 1219 N Davis Dr, Arlington, TX 76012, on January 17, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm.