Rosalyn Marie Prior, age 85, died peacefully at her home surrounded by family on the eve of November 25, 2023 in Collierville, TN. She was born in San Francisco on September 18, 1938 to Donald and Nellie (Christensen) Richards. Her early life in California instilled in her a love for adventure and travel, which she carried with her for the rest of her life.
She left home as a teenager and eventually made her way to Memphis, where should would live the rest of her days. She found work at RCA, where she met and eventually married her husband, Robert Prior, on August 21, 1970. She loved children and found work as a substitute teacher, but eventually settled into being a homemaker. She and her husband spent much of their free time traveling across the US and beyond to places like Europe. Germany was one of her favorite vacation destinations.
Her greatest passion in life were her friends and family, whom she loved most dearly. She had a radiant and kind personality, and could talk to and befriend people no matter where she went. She was an amateur model when she was younger, and also was a talented artist that excelled at working with her hands. Every year she would make little dough ornaments, which she hand painted, for the holidays that she would gift to loved ones. Those going to her home on the holidays would always be greeted by an extravagantly decorated house that, without fail, filled one with the holiday spirit. She could often be found in her favorite reclining chair with her cat Frankie on her lap, winding down the evening by watching her favorite basketball team, the Grizzlies. Those lives touched by her kindness and generosity are great in number.
She is survived by her loving husband of 53 years, Robert (Bobby); her brother, Michael; her sister, Marian; her 3 daughters Dayna, Dawn, and Heather; her 2 sons Richard and Clay; her 10 grandchildren; and her 4 great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her two sisters, Nellie and Donna.
Family and friends are invited to visitation on Thursday November 30th from 6-8pm at the Collierville Funeral Home, located at 3863 Bailey Station Rd, Collierville, TN. Her memorial service will be on the following day, December 1st at 5pm at the same location.
