Judy Newton Doherty

Judy Newton Doherty, truly an angel among us and one of the purest souls imaginable, entered into eternal rest peacefully in her sleep at her beloved home on Monday, May 12, 2026, where she was reunited with the love of her life, her husband, John “Jack” Doherty.

Judy was a loving mother, cherished grandmother, devoted wife, dear daughter, treasured sister, beloved aunt, caring neighbor, and loyal friend whose warmth touched countless lives. Judy never met a stranger. She had the rare gift of making every person she encountered feel welcomed, valued, and instantly at ease. People loved Judy because Judy truly loved people. Her kindness, infectious smile, and heart of gold were impossible to miss.

Born to Thelma Massey Newton and Emory Eugene “Gene” Newton, Judy was the youngest of three children and spent much of her childhood moving throughout the country alongside her siblings, Mike and Gail, as her father served in the military. Although she spent time living in Savannah and Moultrie, Georgia, Maine, and the Washington, D.C. area, it was in Athens, Georgia, where a friend introduced her to Jack and where their beautiful love story began.

Judy and Jack married in 1979 and made their home in Stephens, Georgia, where they raised their children, Kevin Joseph Doherty and Katie Ryan Doherty. Judy made an art form out of creating a home. Anyone who walked through her doors immediately felt welcomed and treated like family. As Kevin and Katie grew up, their home became “the place to be,” filled with laughter, friendship, and unconditional love. Later in life, Judy embraced what may have been her favorite role of all: grandmother. She absolutely adored her grandchildren, Taylor Ann and Landon Joseph, and never missed an opportunity to brag on them, celebrate them, or shower them with love.

An avid Georgia Bulldogs football fan, Judy loved gathering in the cookshed with family and friends to cheer on her team and enjoy the company of the people she loved most. She also spent a lifetime digging in the garden, planting flowers, trees, and lasting memories throughout the family property, creating a true Southern haven where generations gathered and love was always abundant. Christmas was especially important to Judy, and each year she spent weeks transforming the home with decorations, glowing trees in the windows, and the Christmas lights Jack hung outside, drawing friends, neighbors, and passersby who would drive by each year just to admire the display.

In addition to being deeply devoted to her family, Judy also dedicated herself to education, both her own and that of others. She loved history, books, and learning, and earned her undergraduate degree in Valdosta, Georgia, where she pursued her interest in research and library science. Later, after raising her two children, she returned to school to earn a master’s degree in education and then again to complete her specialist degree in special education. Judy poured her heart into her classrooms in Oglethorpe County Schools, where she made a lasting impact on countless students over the years. She lovingly referred to them as “her kids,” and they loved her just as deeply in return. Her unwavering patience, compassion, and gentle spirit made her exactly the kind of teacher children never forget.

Judy is survived by her son, Kevin Doherty and his wife, Ashley Eubanks Doherty, of Grovetown, Georgia; her daughter, Katie Ryan Doherty, of Portland, Oregon; and her beloved grandchildren, Taylor Ann Doherty and Landon Joseph Doherty. Also her dear friends and neighbours, her beloved dog Marley, her “grand-doggers,” Butter and Scotch, and her “grand-kitty,” Howl. She was preceded in death by her parents, Thelma and Gene Newton; her brother, Michael Newton; her sister, Gail Kidwell; and the love of her life, her husband, Jack Doherty.

A private memorial service will be held at the Doherty home in Stephens, Georgia, on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Close friends are welcome and encouraged to attend. Anyone needing the address or directions is asked to please reach out to the family. 

Berry Funeral Home and Crematory of Elberton is assisting the family of Judy Newton Doherty.