Norma Jean Kinney Dougherty (74) passed away October 21, 2019 at her residence in Montgomery, AL. Born to Gerald and Zeta Kinney in Des Moines, Iowa, she graduated from Roosevelt High School and attended Drake University.
Norma was known for her remarkable sense of sensitivity and compassion for other people. Remembered as consoling without judgement, she had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh. She loved music especially hits from the ‘70s. A staunch Democrat, she was elected as a delegate for the Iowa Campaign of Gary Hart’s presidential bid (1988). Later as a paralegal, she worked on several high-profile cases for the states of Iowa and Alabama.
She met her 1st husband, Jon Sexton, while working at the State Auditor’s Office in Des Moines, Iowa. Their wedding (1966) was attended by many notable political officials including Harold Hughes and the Governor of Iowa.
She met her 2nd husband, Thomas Dougherty, while attending classes at Drake University and working on a psychology degree. Norma had a love for helping children with developmental disabilities and along with her husband, Thomas, would invite them to share weekends with their children. As she raised her children, she also volunteered for various Catholic charities in Des Moines IA, Kinston NC and Montgomery AL.
A strong love for animals, she owned cats, dogs, chickens, ducks goats and a guinea pig. Gifted with a green thumb, she grew a garden to produce amazing meals for her ever growing family. A chef in her own right, cooking was another of her passions. Crocheting made her hobby list also and her evening were spent making blankets for family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; Gerald and Zeta Kinney, Rena (Bill) Atherton, her sister; Janet Lacey, and her daughter; Stephanie Sexton.
She is survived by her former husbands; Jon Sexton and Thomas Dougherty, her children; Brooke Sexton, Bradley Sexton, Kristy Sexton, T-Michael Dougherty, Bridget Dougherty Smith, Devin Dougherty and Ryan Dougherty, her grandchildren; Windsor Buchanan, Christian Witter, Caitlin Smith, Leo Smith IV, Bowen Smith, Jack Sexton, Joshua Sexton , Emma Sexton , Ella Sexton, Aria Dougherty and baby girl due April 2020, her great grandchildren; Bella Buchanan, Emmy Buchanan and her siblings; Sue Atherton Ozmick and Jeffrey Keels.
She was a lover of life who taught her children many valuable lessons. A few of her life concepts follow: Dream and dream big; life is about doing what is right in the Word; pass on to the world kindness, compassion, humility and stand up for what is right; believe in yourself- it’s infectious; truly believe and you will succeed and realize whatever dream you have.
She will be truly missed.
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