Dorothy Doyle Prevatt's Obituary
Lifelong Miamian, Dorothy “Dottie” Doyle Prevatt entered into rest on December 22, 2025, a few weeks shy of turning 94.
Born on January 11, 1932, Dottie’s family roots run deep in “Miama”. Her grandfathers left lasting marks on the city.
Her maternal grandfather Col. EA Waddell, a Pioneer of Miami moved to the north bank of Miami River from Key West. He bought land before the Flagler railroad arrived and before Miami was a city. Historian E.V. Blackman stated that “EA Waddell had established the first Real Estate office in the new city of Miami.” He was also one of the founders of First National Bank of Miami. The EA Waddell building continues to be a lasting legacy built on Waddell Street later named Avenue D, now Miami Avenue.
Her paternal grandfather Rear Admiral Robert M. Doyle, was a Captain of The Missouri when “The Great White Fleet” circled the world on a peace mission. He retired to Coconut Grove in 1920 and built a house on Devon Road which was called “Admirals’ Row,” and is now owned by Plymouth Congregational Church. The family has attended this church for over 70 years.
Dottie’s father in law Preston Gelston Prevatt grew up in Deland Florida, but moved to Miami in 1920 to join Shutts Bowen Law firm. Dottie’s husband Preston L. Prevatt, born in Jackson Memorial Hospital also joined Shutts Bowen.
Dottie’s father Robert Morris Doyle also a graduate of the Naval Academy, retired and worked at The First National Bank of Miami.
Dottie began her education at Ms. Harris School, continued at Ponce de Leon High School, and later earned her degree from Mt. Vernon Junior College in Washington, D.C.
Both the Doyle and Prevatt families shared long histories in Miami, and their friendship shaped Dottie’s path. Preston, six years her senior, fondly remembered her as “little Dorothy Doyle” before they began dating while she was at Mt. Vernon and he was at the University of Virginia. They married on Miami Beach on August 28, 1953. After her father’s death, her mother and Preston’s parents built a duplex in Coral Gables where they lived and enjoyed nightly cocktail hours together.
In 1954, Dottie joined the Miami Junior League as one of five provisional members. She devoted herself to volunteer work while raising her family. She and Preston were blessed with four children — twin sons Robert Doyle Prevatt and Preston L. Prevatt Jr., daughter Pamela Reid Prevatt, and son Reid Waddell Prevatt. Together they were active members of Plymouth Congregational Church, Biscayne Bay Yacht Club, Riviera Country Club, The Bath Club, Benedicts, and Camarilla. Also, Farmington C.C., Cedar Creek CC & High Hampton. Dottie also belonged to the Diggers Garden Club and enjoyed her bridge group.
Dottie grew up spending summers in the mountains of North Carolina with her parents, a place that remained close to her heart throughout her life. In 1991, she and Preston built a second home there, where they shared many cherished memories with their children and grandchildren. In the years since, it has become a tradition for the family to gather there each summer, honoring “Dot Dot and Poppy” and continuing the traditions they began — a legacy that now lives on through the generations.
Dottie had an impeccable sense of style. She never left the house without a bright floral outfit, her pink lipstick, a coordinated purse, and a smile. Her sunny disposition matched her vibrant clothes, and her warmth and poise were felt wherever she went.
She was predeceased by her husband of 65 years, Preston L. Prevatt, and by her sons Preston Jr. and Reid. She is lovingly remembered by her children Robert Doyle Prevatt and Pamela Reid Prevatt; her grandchildren Dorothy Waddell Duke Madsen, Camden Prevatt Woll, and Margaretjane Preston Prevatt; and her great-grandchild Maren Lois Madsen.
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