Brenda Waldon Cooper, 80, of Sautee Nacoochee, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at her home surrounded by her family.
Brenda was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Mattie Kate Waldon. She is survived by her husband, Donald Lamar Cooper; sister, Jacqueline Whitesides (Harold); nephew, Keith Whitesides (Ludis); niece, Kathy McLean (Terry); and grand-niece and nephews, Stephanie, Andrew, and Roger McLean.
Brenda and Don are members of Helen First Baptist Church, where, before her illness, they were very active in church ministries and Sunday School.
Brenda was born in Brunswick, GA, and grew up in Jonesboro, GA. She graduated from Jonesboro High School and from Emory University with a B.S. in Biology and obtained her M.S. degree in Biology from Georgia Institute of Technology.
Brenda spent 33 years educating Georgia students with a genuine interest in each student. She first taught in the Metro Atlanta schools, then taught at Briarcliff in DeKalb County. After that, she became a counselor at Point South in Clayton County. She then took the position of Assistant Principal at Riverdale Elementary School. She concluded her career as the Elementary Science Coordinator for the Clayton County school system.
Brenda loved animals from an early age. Her first horse was “Lady Luck,” and throughout her life, she raised Paso Fino horses. She always loved having Shepherds, Shelties, and Dachshunds. Brenda is also known and admired as an avid gardener; her yard has often been described as “Better Homes and Gardens.”
She loved life and was an inspiration to her family and all who knew her. Her generosity and outreach to anyone in need were remarkable; she spent untold hours ministering to family, friends, and neighbors.
A celebration of her life will be scheduled at a later date for family and friends.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at HillsideMemorialChapel.com.
Arrangements are in the care and professional direction of Hillside Memorial Chapel & Gardens, Clarkesville
