Kathryn Pierce Douberly

Kathryn Pierce Douberly (Kathy) of Fredericksburg, Virginia, died on December 7, 2025, following coronary bypass surgery. She was born August 1, 1956, in Fredericksburg to James David Pierce and Mary Flatford Pierce. She grew up in Stafford County and graduated from Stafford High School. She was an efficient and well-organized office manager, legal secretary, and advocate for housing for people with AIDS. Yet, she is better known for the warmth, empathy, creativity, and conscientiousness she brought to her interactions with family, friends, the Fredericksburg music scene, community garden, and other community efforts.

For many people, Kathy was the smiling, joking face of Open Mic Night at Colonial Tavern, which she and her partner Thom organized on Monday nights. Her sweet but gutsy voice usually led off the night, and she always had a word of encouragement or advice for nervous first timers. She is widely known for her fierce love of her sons and grandchildren, her music, her wit, her cooking and baking, her sense of style, and her hospitality.

She is survived by her partner, Thomas Schiff; sons Roscoe “Tré” Douberly III, Adam Pierce Douberly (Amber), and Neil Ian Douberly; sister Mary Anne Pierce Salmon (Kevin); brother James David Pierce (Susan); grandchildren Trinity Vandever, River Vandever, Kiara Vandever, Aiden Nadeau, Jayna Douberly, and Roland Bear Douberly as well as three nieces and a nephew. She is preceded in death by her parents James David Pierce and Mary Flatford Pierce and her sister Annette Pierce Lancaster.

Donations in Kathy’s name can be made to: FAHASS (Fredericksburg Area Health and Support Services) HIV care, LGBTQ support and outpatient care for all at fahass.com or Downtown Greens (community gardens) at downtowngreens.org