Donna Blue Haggerty

Donna Marie Blue Haggerty, 85, of Marietta, Georgia, passed away on July 27, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of humor, kindness, creativity, athleticism, and service to others.

Born on June 20, 1941, in Cordele, Georgia, Donna was the daughter of the late Rhodes Ellsworth Blue and Wyolene Ellis Blue. Growing up in Turner County, she developed a lifelong love of music, sports, animals, and community service that would shape every chapter of her life.

Donna graduated from Turner County High School in 1959, where she served as class president and was active in Glee Club, Chorus, Basketball, the State Music Festival, Tri-Hi-Y, and Future Homemakers of America (FHA). During her senior year, she was selected as Junior Miss Watermelon Festival Queen in Crisp County and represented her community in the Georgia Junior Miss Pageant. For the talent competition, she performed "One Kiss," accompanied on piano by her lifelong friend, Julie Ewing Hunt. Donna's beautiful soprano voice remained one of her many gifts throughout her life.

She attended High Point College and Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College before graduating from the University of Georgia with a degree in Physical Education in 1964. Donna initially pursued a degree in voice performance before discovering that her passion for athletics and education led her to change majors. At the University of Georgia, she was a proud member of Kappa Delta Sorority, participated in club basketball, and belonged to the PEM Club, the professional organization for Physical Education majors.

After graduating, Donna began her career as a Reservations Agent for Delta Air Lines. On November 20, 1966, she married the love of her life, James Patrick "Pat" Haggerty. Together they built a home centered on community, laughter, and family while raising their son, James Patrick Haggerty III (Jim), and daughter, Mary Elizabeth Haggerty (Beth). Pat preceded her in death on December 27, 2006.

Donna's love for children led her to spend more than twenty years working in the After School Program at Garrison Mill Elementary School, where she became a favorite among students and families. She also coached girls' basketball at Edwards Road Baptist Church during the 1980s. Whether cheering from the sidelines or the stands, she encouraged good sportsmanship and supported her children in countless activities, including baseball, soccer, tennis, dance, swim team, and symphonic and marching band.

A gifted athlete herself, Donna was an accomplished tennis player who competed on numerous Atlanta Lawn Tennis Association (ALTA) women's and mixed doubles teams. She celebrated many championships, including consecutive city championships from 1986 through 1988, and treasured the lifelong friendships she built with her Windsor Oaks teammates through the sport. She later gave back to the game as an ALTA coordinator.

Her heart for volunteering extended well beyond the tennis court. She volunteered with the Federation Club of Atlanta in 1990 and proudly served with the Atlanta Olympic Band as a beloved parent chaperone alongside Pat. Together they traveled with the band to President Bill Clinton's Presidential Inaugural Parade in 1993, participated in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1994, assisted with Olympic Flag arrival ceremonies, and volunteered during both the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the 1996 Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta. During this time, she famously teased Tony Hawk's closing ceremony outfit, convinced he was one of Beth's friends.

Donna's creativity was as remarkable as her athletic ability. An accomplished artist, she enjoyed painting, sewing, knitting, and a wide variety of crafts. She lovingly created heirloom-quality Halloween costumes for her children year after year. During the early 2000s, she partnered with her friends Cindy Griggs and Chris Goodwin to operate Heavy Southern Accents, a business specializing in decorative concrete statuary, fountains, and hand-painted garden art. Her artistic eye brought beauty into countless homes and gardens.

Known among her family and friends as a "St. Francis" of sorts, Donna had a remarkable connection with animals. Even wild birds, squirrels, and other creatures seemed naturally drawn to her gentle spirit. One of her greatest joys was simply sitting outside watching the birds. Over the years she also loved many pets and grandpets, including Sam, Jack, Teela, Dooley, Fergus, Bernie, Buddy, Rudy, and Gopher. Having grown up on a farm, however, snakes were never part of that connection. Never.

Whether singing, painting, coaching, competing on the tennis court, volunteering, or spending time with family and friends, Donna lived with generosity, enthusiasm, and grace. Above all, she possessed a quiet strength and a wicked sense of humor reminiscent of the unforgettable women in Steel Magnolias, one of her favorite films. Whether dancing the shag and singing to her children, creating a prank Christmas ornament, playing in the leaves with her brothers as adults, or racing shopping carts through the grocery store, she found joy in everyday moments and delighted in sharing it with others. Her warmth, humor, creativity, and servant's heart will be remembered by all who knew and loved her.

Donna was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James Patrick "Pat" Haggerty; her parents, Rhodes Ellsworth Blue and Wyolene Ellis Blue; and her brothers, Leslie L. Blue and Wayne E. Blue.

She is survived by her son, James Patrick Haggerty III (Jim) of Marietta, Georgia; her daughter, Mary Elizabeth Haggerty (Beth) of Marietta, Georgia; her brother, Allen (Sandra) Blue of Ashburn, Georgia; her nephews, Scott Blue and John Blue; her nieces, Sherri (Jerry) Simmons, Dee (Edd) Cunningham, and Jaclyn (Mathew) Myers; and many beloved great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.

Through her marriage to Pat, Donna was welcomed into the Osborne and Broadrick families, whom she came to love as her own. She treasured nearly six decades of cherished memories with Grace and R. L. Osborne; Emily and Elwood Broadrick; June and George Broadrick; and their daughter, Mary Broadrick Moffitt, whose friendship remained a special part of her life.

Memorial service information will be shared at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Ron Clark Academy, a nonprofit public charity dedicated to transforming education for children. As a vibrant middle school and teacher-training laboratory, the academy blends rigorous academics with creativity, music, and team spirit to empower students from all backgrounds. Contributions will directly fund student scholarships, honoring Donna's lifelong passion for mentoring youth, coaching sports, and celebrating the joy of music. Donations may be made online at ronclarkacademy.com.