Don P. Doherty

Mr. Don Paul Doherty, 79, of Waynesboro, Mississippi, passed from this life Sunday, May 9, 2021 in Mobile, Alabama. He was born in Laurel, Mississippi, on Tuesday, January 20, 1942, to John Paul Doherty and Erma Lee Odom Doherty.

Mr. Doherty was a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi where he received his Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Education in 1964 and a master’s in educational administration in 1968. He shared his love for learning as an educator, coach and administrator in Mississippi and Alabama for over 40 years.  Although an educator at heart, his true passion was found in his family. He was a proud son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, cousin, and uncle.  He never met a stranger. To him, every person was just a friend he had not met yet. Many times, those friends became more like family.

Mr. Doherty was preceded in death by his parents, John Paul Doherty and Erma Lee Odom Doherty, sisters, Jean Doherty West and Shirlene Andrews, and daughter, Monica Doherty.  He is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Debbie Doherty, daughter, Ashley Doherty Jackson (Robert); niece who he raised and loved as his daughter, Tracy Varnadore (Keith), all of Mobile, AL; grandchildren, Ansley and Robert Jackson; and Tracy’s children, Kaitlyn and Morgan Varnadore.

A Graveside Service to celebrate the life of Mr. Dohertry will be held at 1:00 PM Wednesday, May 12, 2021 at New Hope United Methodist Church Cemetery, 177 Old River Road, Waynesboro, MS with Rev. Tommy Davis officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Alzheimer’s Association. (ALZ.ORG)