Dorothy (“Diddy”) Kohler Dougharty, 92, of Austin, formally of Beaumont, died August 12, 2014. She was born on August 1, 1922, in New Orleans, Louisiana, and was the daughter of Amelia and Joseph Kohler. She grew up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana where she attended LSU and began employment with Gulf States Utilities. She transferred with Gulf States to Beaumont in 1947. She met her future husband, Marcus Dougharty, at a dance in Beaumont. They married in September of 1949. They were married forty years at the time of his death in 1989. Diddy and Marcus, who was a prominent banker in Beaumont, raised their three children in Beaumont and were both very involved in their community.
Diddy was an excellent homemaker and a gourmet cook. She loved to entertain and was the quintessential hostess preparing a fine meal in no time for her guests to enjoy. We will never forget her jambalaya, gumbo, and crawfish etoufee. She organized many family holidays and other gatherings as well as hosted many relatives who stopped by on their travels to and from Baton Rouge. A self-educated seamstress, Diddy could work magic with her sewing machine. She created many fashionable outfits for herself, her immediate family, extended family, and close friends. She also crocheted numerous beautiful pieces including her famous placemats--many of which are still in use today.
Through her youngest daughter, who was a member of the Beaumont Civic Ballet, Diddy found a passion for the ballet and continued to volunteer with BCB for several years. She spent many hours making and altering costumes, working on props, and even accompanied some young dancers to Europe as a chaperone. Diddy was also involved in activities with St. Mark’s as a member of St. Hilda’s Guild, working at the Treasure House, and making lots of chili for the annual Chili Supper.
Diddy loved games with friends, music, dancing, working in her yard and making her camellias blossom. She also enjoyed traveling with her family. Many trips to the Caribbean will be fondly remembered especially her adventure swimming with the giant stingrays.
Diddy taught us countless lessons in life about being committed, supportive, faithful, hard working, energetic, diligent and determined. She will be greatly missed. Thankfully, many of her life lessons will be carried on into the next generation and generations to come.
She is survived by her three children, Dana Bartholomew and her husband, Bart, of Dallas; Steven Dougharty and his wife, Mary Ann, of Houston; and Sarah McHaney and her husband, Gordon, of Austin; four grandchildren, Kate Bartholomew, Spencer McHaney, Meris McHaney, and Morgan McHaney; and numerous nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.
A gathering of Mrs. Dougharty’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Thursday, August 21, 2014, at Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont. There will be a reception at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church Parlor at 1:00 p.m., followed by her funeral service at 2:00 p.m., Friday, August 22, 2014, at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 680 Calder, Beaumont, with The Reverend Dean Calcote, officiating. Interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Beaumont.
Special thanks go to the Emeritus Spicewood Springs staff of Austin and the caregivers from the Heart to Heart Agency of Austin for their tireless help and care.
Memorial contributions in Mrs. Dougharty’s name may be made to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church Memorial Fund, 680 Calder Avenue, Beaumont, Texas 77702; Alzheimer’s Association, 700 North Street, Suite M, Beaumont, Texas 77701; or to Beaumont Civic Ballet, 3717 Calder Avenue, Beaumont, Texas 77706.
