Sylvia Lynn Doherty, age 82, of Clayton, New Mexico, passed away peacefully on April 6, 2026, in Sterling, CO, with her son Tim Doherty by her side.
A Celebration of life will be held on May 9th, Saturday at 4:00 pm at the Clayton Golf Club, Air Park St., Clayton, NM. Please join us!
Sylvia was born in Denton, Texas, and raised in Fort Worth, Texas, the beloved daughter of A.J. and Bobbye Cooles. She attended Paschal High School and later continued her education at Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas. It was there she met the love of her life, Jim Doherty. The two were married on March 3, 1962, beginning a lifelong partnership rooted in love, family, and shared adventure. Following their marriage, Sylvia and Jim made their home near the Doherty Ranch in Folsom, New Mexico, before eventually settling in Clayton, New Mexico, where they built a life full of community, friendship, and cherished memories. Sylvia was devoted to her family and took great pride in raising her children. She could often be found in the stands or along the arena fence, cheering on her kids at sporting events, rodeos, and cheer performances. She later became a familiar and beloved presence in downtown Clayton as the owner of Espes, a store that reflected her personality, style, and connection to the community. Some of her most treasured memories were the trips to market with her dear friends and picking out fun clothes for the store. She had a spirited love for life and found joy in many things, including golfing, watching sports, and trying her luck at the casino. She was a loyal fan of TCU and the Kansas City Chiefs, rarely missing a game and always cheering with enthusiasm-sometimes to the playful dismay of her family. Sylvia was preceded in death by her parents, A.J. and Bobbye Cooles; her husband, Jim Doherty; and her beloved daughter, Shannon Brorby.
She is survived by her son, Tim Doherty and his wife Shanan, and their children Casey and Macie of Sterling, Colorado; son-in-law Greg Brorby of Texas; her grandsons Garrett and Grant Brorby and Grant’s wife Brooklyn of Utah; her dear sister and lifelong best friend Mickie Cooles; and Mickie’s daughter Holly Baxter, her husband Doug, and their children Brandon and Brooke, all of Fort Worth, Texas.
Sylvia will be remembered for her strength, her devotion to her family, her love of community, and the warmth she brought to those around her. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched and the family she loved so deeply
In lieu of flowers the family asks memorials to be made to Clayton Golf Club PO Box 4, Clayton, NM 88415
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