Brenda Gail Cook, 75, of Dahlonega, Ga, passed away peacefully on October 12th, 2021 surrounded by her loved ones after a long battle with cancer. She was born in Atlanta, Ga on September 7th, 1946 to Dorothy Padgett and John “Calvin” Cook.

 

Brenda dedicated her life to advocating for women and those experiencing domestic abuse and poverty. Her career included many years of service as an executive director of several not-for-profit organizations serving local communities, including N.O.A. Battered Women’s Shelter and Gateway House Battered Women’s Shelter, before retiring as the Executive Director of Community Helping Place.

 

Brenda was a charter member of Georgia Mountains Unitarian Universalist Church where she served as president, and was active in the faith in action committee and the executive committee. She had a deep love for food and art and found joy in sharing both with those she loved.

 

She is preceded in death by her brother, Kenny Cook and sister, Shelia Cook. She is survived by her two sons John (Donnie) and Michael (Angie) Dickerson, her grandchildren Chelsea (Chance) Reid, Ethan Dickerson, Whitney Dickerson, Kenzie Dickerson, and Anthony (Makaila) Hill and her two great grandchildren Rilye Mae Phillips, Norah Evelyn Reid, Waylon James Hill.

 

There will be no additional ceremony as Brenda celebrated her life with a Living Wake on September 4th. If you would like to honor Brenda’s legacy, the family asks that donations be made to Georgia Mountains Unitarian Universalist Church’s Capital Campaign. Checks in memory of Brenda can be sent to P.O. Box 630 Dahlonega, Ga 30533. 

Arrangements by the professional staff of Dahlonega Funeral Home