Oreta Cook

Oreta Cook, age 89 of Atlanta, passed away on March 29th, 2020. She was preceded in death by her husband, Marion C. Cook and her son, Marion (Rick) Cook. Oreta is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Dana and Eric Sandberg; granddaughter, Michelle and her husband, Andrew Hartman; grandson Stephen and his wife, Emily; and great grandchildren, Ashleigh Rogers, William Hartman, and Benjamin Sandberg.

Oreta dedicated her life to provide opportunities for developmentally challenged individuals. She worked tirelessly to maximize their independence and increase their skills that would allow them to live more meaningful lives. Oreta opened and directed the DeKalb County Behavioral Health and Developmentally Disabilities Center in Brookhaven, Ga. It was her belief that every mentally disabled person deserved to live as independently as possible. This desire led her to open the first group home in DeKalb County and opened the door for many other group homes across the state of Georgia.

Additionally, Oreta instituted a program known as the Employment Opportunities for the Developmentally Disabled. In recognition of her commitment and devotion to people with special needs, she was awarded the DeKalb County “Woman of the Year”.

Oreta Cook will be laid to rest with a private ceremony at Floral Hills Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Briarlake Baptist Church. (www.briarlakechurch.org)