Portia Maloney

Portia Diane Maloney passed away on September 25, 2026. She was born on November 18, 1942 in Beaumont, Texas to Doris Mae Pryor and Lester Vivan Pryor. She and her twin sister Patricia Ann Braafladt grew up in Amarillo, Texas and were known for some time as the “Dixie Dice Darlings” performing on the local television station’s variety program.

Portia graduated from Amarillo High School and West Texas State University with a degree in education. She taught 4th and 5th grade language arts for several years in Amarillo.

In 1966 Portia met the love of her life, Jeff Maloney, when he returned to Amarillo after his time in the Marines. They married in 1967 and decided to honeymoon and then stay in Dallas, a decision that shaped much of the rest of their lives.

Portia found her true calling when she started selling antiques. She loved scouring flea markets and garage sales and had an exceptional eye for special finds. She sold her treasures at various times out of her home, at Round Top, and at her antique booth all of which were appropriately called Garden Party.

In addition to antiques, Portia loved her friends, her kids, and her kids’ friends. She loved parties and all things social and could stay up to all hours talking, smoking, and listening to Li’l Cap’n Travis. Portia had a gift for making everyone feel welcome, and for making “just one more story” last well into the night.

Portia is survived by her daughter Marli Maloney Couch and her husband Chris, and her son Mandon Maloney and his wife Melissa. She was a proud and doting grandmother to Connor Houston Couch, Caden Jeffrey Couch, and Gray Montgomery Maloney as well as to her step grandchildren Layla Desrosiers, Logan Desrosiers, and Zachary Desrosiers. She was known simply as “Portia” because, like her mother, she thought she was far too young to be called “Grandma.”

A grave side service followed by a celebration will be held on Sunday, October 4th beginning at 1:00 pm at Sparkman Hillcrest Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Portia’s memory to Ursuline Academy of Dallas, Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas, or the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation.