Margaret Stephanie Dougherty, 72, passed away Saturday, August 31, 2019 at Baptist Medical Center in Jacksonville, Fla.
A native and lifelong resident of Fernandina Beach, Fla., Stephanie was the eldest of five children born to the late Melvin Foster and Lillian Mott Dougherty.
Stephanie was a believer in Jesus Christ and a member of First Baptist Church in Fernandina.
She graduated from Fernandina Beach High School in 1964. In addition to enjoying class reunions, she also looked forward to the monthly get-togethers of the “Girls of ’64.”
Stephanie retired from the state of Florida after 30 years of service as a hostess and information specialist at welcome stations in Boulogne (U.S. 301), Fernandina, and Interstate 95 near the Florida/Georgia line. She had the honor of being the last hostess of the Florida Marine Welcome Station in downtown Fernandina before its closing. She loved meeting and talking with people and welcoming them to the Sunshine State.
Stephanie loved when the extended family came together to celebrate holidays and birthdays. She was the life of the party and was dearly loved by grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. Her nieces and nephews made sure to introduce their friends to “Aunt Stephanie,” who had the reputation of being fun and entertaining. Often times, her nieces and nephews saw her as a second grandmother.
She leaves behind a brother, Rocky Dougherty (Jean), and sisters, Pam Cook (David), Janis Johnson, and Dee Dee Thornton (Mark), all of Fernandina Beach. Also, nephews Rod Kirkland (Robin) and Steven Kirkland (Viniece) of Glennville, Ga., Dan Cook (Sarah) of Acworth, Ga., Aaron Johnson and Christian Thornton of Fernandina, and David Mark Thornton (Candice) of Boone, N.C. Also, nieces Kelly Kirkland Root (Rick) and Amelia Johnson Neuhofer (Jake) of Jacksonville, along with numerous great-nieces and nephews, aunts Lois Scott and Pat Mott, uncle Gene Kyzer, and many cousins.
Besides her parents, Stephanie was predeceased by nephew William Dougherty Thornton and brother-in-law Jeff Johnson.
The family would like to thank Vivian Armstrong, Sharon Dees, Carol Cason, and Pat Mott for their faithful visits, phone calls, and treats. Also, a special to thank you to Dr. Henry Rodeffer and staff.
A service to remember and celebrate Stephanie’s life will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, September 14, 2019 at Celebration Church (formerly First Baptist) on the corner of North Fifth and Alachua streets.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to Samaritan’s Purse for Bahamas storm relief at samaritanspurse.org or P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607 or the Building Fund of First Baptist Church in Fernandina Beach.
Please share your memories and condolences at www.oxleyheard.com.
Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors