Georgia Mae (Adams) Doherty
SUN CITY WEST – Georgia Mae (Adams) Doherty, 87, formerly of Dearborn Heights, MI, passed away peacefully Feb. 17, 2018, in Sun City West, AZ.
Georgia was born Dec. 15, 1930 in Sioux City, IA the daughter of Iowa’s Siouxland Hall of Famer, Bill Adams and his wife, Isabell Adams. Bill was a former golf professional of the Sioux City Boat Club and Elmwood Golf Course.
Georgia attended the University of Iowa where she was a member of Delta Delta Delta Sorority and graduated from Morningside College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education.
Georgia loved to travel as one of her many pursuits and upon retirement visited Australia, New Zeeland and Europe. She enjoyed a lifetime of listening to and encouraging her children and grandchildren while recounting her travels through her many journals and albums.
While growing up she won numerous medals in AAU swimming becoming an accomplished and well-known swimmer. While swimming and competing, she taught many of the children in Sioux City at the Country Clubs’ pool as an instructor. Georgia also performed the traditional Sword Dance (Ghillie Callum), competing in the local area.
Following college graduation, she married her husband, Ronald Doherty of St. Clare Shores, MI. Following him to Europe after WWII, Georgia taught English to the local children while Ron was stationed in Germany and Switzerland serving in the Army’s Special Forces. Upon returning after service they moved to Dearborn Heights, MI to raise a family. Georgia became a championship golfer at Washtenaw Country Club winning the American Cancer Society’s amateur invitational in Doral, FL while representing the state of Michigan on a women’s foursome team. In retirement, Georgia and Ron moved to Sun City West, AZ where she played golf, continuing her competitive spirit. Georgia was also a member of the Eastern Star. Georgia was known by her ever-present, infectious smile and unwavering commitment to family and she will be remembered always as a loving and giving Matriarch to her family.
Georgia is survived by her loving husband and best friend, Ronald Doherty of 64 years; loving son, Derek Doherty and Cheryl Trainor of West Palm Beach, FL and faithful loving daughter, Kimberly Doherty Bradley of Laguna Hills, CA; cherished grandchildren, Kimberly Doherty, Shane Doherty, Jake Bradley, Brooke Bradley, and beloved great grandson Damian (Doherty) Hoffman. Georgia was preceded in death by her parents Bill and Belle Adams; brother and sister-in law Charles “Chic” Adams and LaVonne (Peterson) Adams and nephew Randal Adams.