Etta Bernice Dougherty

Etta Bernice Dougherty, affectionately known as Bernice, passed away peacefully on April 10th, 2025, at the age of 90 in Onslow County, North Carolina. She was born on October 1st, 1934, in Wayne County, North Carolina, to the late Huron and Lola Norris.
Bernice was a steadfast supporter and contributor to organizations close to her heart, including the Boy Scouts of America, the American Red Cross, Future Business Women of America, and Military Widows. Her commitment to these causes was evident through her service on the board of the Boy Scouts of America and her dedication to teaching water safety and swimming with the American Red Cross during her time stationed with her husband in Hawaii and North Carolina.
A beloved figure in Onslow County, Bernice was known for her work as a children's lifeguard, teaching skating lessons to thousands of children and serving on the board for the Future Business Women of America. Her passion for education extended to her role as a substitute teacher at White Oak High School in Jacksonville, NC.
Bernice was preceded in death by her loving parents, Huron and Lola Norris; her devoted husband of 60 years, Lawrence Edward Dougherty Sr., who passed in 2013; her brothers, Little Bud and Big Bud; and her sister, Eleanor TePoel. She was a proud and loving mother to her four sons: Lawrence Edward Dougherty Jr., William Ray Dougherty, Robert John Dougherty, and Douglas Eugene Dougherty.
She is survived by her cherished grandsons: James Dougherty and his wife Wendy, William Lawrence Dougherty, Heather James, Jaide Dougherty, Justin Dougherty, and Nicholas Dougherty. Her great-grandchildren, Cali, Delana, James Jr., Kiara, Jackson, Ava, and Hailey, were the light of her life, and she adored them deeply. She is also survived by her daughter-in-laws; Debra Ann Dougherty and Catherine Ann Dougherty. Bernice's supportive friends, including Matt Rosso, Irene Milligan, and Amy Sinnott.
Bernice was a woman of faith, always ready to attend any church when invited, regardless of denomination. She found joy in the simple pleasures of life, such as sipping coffee while reading the Bible, crocheting, sewing, fishing, camping, and spending time at the beach. Known for her helping hand and generous spirit, she was a pillar of strength and love for her family, raising her four boys with a firm yet caring touch.
Her legacy of kindness and dedication will be fondly remembered by all who knew her.
There will be a graveside service at 12PM on Thursday, April 17th, 2025 at Coastal Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Jacksonville, NC.
Johnson Funeral Home of Jacksonville is honored to serve Bernice's family during this time. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Etta, please visit our floral store.