Nancy Dougherty

Nancy Roach Dougherty passed from this world on July 14, 2024 at the age of 74. She was born in Watts Hospital in Durham, NC in 1949 to the late Charles Alexander and Mary Martin Sherrill Roach of Durham. Nancy attended Durham High School where she was head cheerleader. She attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where she earned BA degrees in English and Accounting. She also served as President of Alpha Delta Pi sorority and was a member of the gymnastics club, competing primarily on the uneven bars. After working for a Durham-based CPA firm after college, she was recruited by a “Big Eight” firm where she helped manage the tax practice. A true leader and entrepreneur, Nancy started her own CPA practice, Dougherty and Associates, headquartered in Durham, NC. She was a standout in her profession as one of the first CPA’s in North Carolina to receive the designations of Personal Financial Planner, and Personal Financial Specialist. Nancy was a Trustee of the Client Security Trust Fund for the NC Bar Association and was the only non-attorney to serve in that role. 

In 1982 Nancy married her beloved Dennis Dougherty and they enjoyed a loving and inseparable relationship for over 42 years. She was more than a spouse to Dennis. She was his soulmate and fellow traveler through life. Nancy and Dennis enjoyed planning and embarking on their “bucket list” including Africa, New Zealand, Australia, and many destinations in the US. Many trips included their shared passion for golf. Nancy enjoyed her short but straight golf game, which proved highly effective as she won a number of tournaments during her lifetime. Nancy was a doting and generous grandmother, a mother full of love for her children with a steady hand that could be relied upon.

As a result of her sincerity, respect and fondness for others, Nancy made friends easily and cherished her many friendships. She was generous and served on the boards of Hospice and Dress for Success among other charitable organizations. She loved the NC mountains and was especially happy to spend summers at Linville Ridge, where she was an avid hiker and golfer. She served on the Board of Advisors of Linville Ridge and was President for two terms. 

In addition to her husband, Dennis, Nancy is survived by her son, Charles Lyon Stubbs and his wife Libby Kornegay Stubbs and their daughters Katherine, Mary Lyon and Anna, all of Raleigh, NC. She is also survived by her stepson Dennis Joseph Dougherty, Jr (DJ), his wife Michelle Hansen Dougherty, and their children Dennis III (Joseph), Paula, Claire and Gwendolyn, all of Raleigh, NC. Nancy is also survived by two brothers, William Allen Roach and his wife Hanley of Knoxville, TN, and John Wesley Roach and his wife Regina of Davidson, NC. Nancy was preceded in death by her brother, Charles Alexander Roach, Jr, of Durham, NC. 

There will be a private graveside service for the family on Saturday morning, July 20, 2024 at Maplewood Cemetery in Durham, NC, followed by a memorial service at 10:00 am at Trinity Avenue Presbyterian Church. Friends are invited to a reception and brunch at Hope Valley Country Club immediately following.

There will be a separate Celebration of Life for Nancy at Linville Ridge Country Club at a later date.

Nancy requested that in lieu of flowers, charitable donations be made to any of the following organizations:

Trinity Avenue Presbyterian Church in Durham, NC (https://www.trinityave.org); 

The Wee Kirk Presbyterian Church in Linville, NC (http://www.weekirk.org); and 

Hospice and Home Care of the Blue Ridge (https://www.hospiceblueridge.com)