Jo Ann Tilley Dortch, age 83, of Paducah, died at home on Sunday, September 20, 2026. Born in Madison, Indiana on November 20th, 1942, and moved to Paducah, KY at age 5.
Preceding her in death was the love of her life and best friend Orrin Nat Dortch Jr., husband of 49 years. Her parents Ed and Gerry Tilley, in-laws Nat Dortch Sr. and Jessie Dortch, Marion Dortch Rosser and Robert Rosser.
She is survived by daughter Terri Jo Dortch Clark and husband Jeffery Clark of Paducah, son James (Jay) Edmond Dortch and wife Cheryl Dortch of Louisville, son Orrin (Trip) Nat Dortch III and wife Kelly Dortch of Paducah, grandchildren Logan Dortch, Summer Dortch, Laurel Dortch, Zyla Dortch, Griffin Dortch, Graham Holshouser, and Whit Holshouser. Her beloved fur babies Cleo and Daisy, the first pets she got to choose. She is also survived by her brothers Allen Tilley (Peggy) and Mike Tilley (Charlotte) of Florida, Don Tilley (Janice) and Steve Tilley (Renee) of Paducah. Numerous nieces, nephews, and grand nieces and nephews, and cousins.
Jo graduated from Paducah Tilghman High School, class of 1960. She attended Hanover College, WKU, SIU, and Murray State earning degrees in math, Spanish and art. She taught middle school, high school, and college. As much as she loved teaching, she loved her family and was Momma Jo to many. She was multi-talented and could do almost anything. Her art was amazing and in many mediums. Her creativity was limitless. She loved music and played many musical instruments.
Our house was where everyone wanted to be. She allowed us to learn, create, and dream. She saw, heard, and supported everyone. She was an activist for the world and not afraid to speak up and fight for what or who she believed in. Nature was her passion and her favorite place. All the plants, animals, and communing in her gardens with all the wonders. She was a light in the world always designing, making, and sending cards for all occasions, reminding people how special they are.
She loved sports, especially her beloved Kentucky Wildcats. Mom always ended her conversations and cards with “Joy and Angels Abound”.
There will be a Celebration of Life at the 1857 Hotel in Paducah, KY on Friday, October 2, from 5:00-8:00 PM.
The family requests in lieu of flowers, make contributions in her memory to the Nat and Jo Tilley Dortch Scholars Endowment. Send checks to Paducah Jr. College Inc, PO Box 7380, Paducah, KY 42002 or donate through giving link online selecting the endowment, www.westkentucky.kctcs.edu or Paducah Cooperative Ministry on their donation portal www.sharepcm.org or McCracken County Humane Society of Paducah on their donation portal www.mcrackenhumane.org.
Milner & Orr Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Paducah are in charge of arrangements. Please share a memory or leave online condolences for the family at www.milnerandorr.com.
