Linda Cook Born

LINDA EUNICE COOK BORN A bright light was extinguished here on earth when Linda Born went to Glory on March 2, 2011. Full of joy and with a huge heart and a ready smile, she was an adored and adoring wife, loved and loving mother and grandmother, and loyal and valued friend. She will be sorely missed. Linda was born in 1927 in Pelham, Georgia to Lena Parish Cook and Wallace Dutch Cook. Her mother passed away when Linda was barely a toddler, leaving Linda and her baby sister Stella to be raised by their large extended family composed of their father, four grandparents, and 11 aunts and uncles. After attending local schools, Linda was accepted to the last class of the Cadet Nurse Corps in 1945 and moved to Atlanta to begin what would be a long and rewarding career in nursing, culminating in 30 years of dedicated service at Piedmont Hospital. It was there in Atlanta that the young and beautiful Miss Cook met the love of her life and future husband, J. William Born, a dashing young corporal who had recently returned from serving in WWII with the heroic Glider Troops,. The striking couple was married three years later in New York City on the popular CBS TV show, "Bride and Groom" -- a predecessor of the now-ubiquitous reality TV shows. The couple settled in Atlanta, where they had two daughters. Linda loved the bright lights of Atlanta, and she and Bill enjoyed many evenings dancing at the Capital City Club. Her deep faith was also a central chord in her life and was a long time member at St. James United Methodist Church. Widely recognized for her stylish and creative dress, Mrs. Born had a unique flair for wearing hats, an attribute that earned her the moniker of "The Hat Lady." Many years ago, she and her extensive hat collection were showcased in a feature spread in the Atlanta Constitution. She is survived by her two children: elder daughter Stephanie Born Warren of Wilmington NC (and husband Bill Warren, and grandchildren William, Nancy, Victoria and Elizabeth); and younger daughter Melanie Born of San Francisco (and partner Madeline Duva); as well as her sister Stella Cook Thompson of Forest Park; and long-time friend Toni Norris of Atlanta. Calling Hours will be held at H.M. Patterson and Son Oglethorpe Hill Chapel on Saturday, March 5 from 3 to 5 pm with funeral services on Sunday March 6 at 2pm, followed by burial at Arlington Memorial Park, where she will be laid to rest beside her beloved Bill. Mrs. Born's bright light may have been extinguished here on earth, but it shall forever burn brightly in Glory -- where she will most certainly be wearing a hat.