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George Stern Obituary

STERN, George Salo GEORGE SALO STERN George Salo Stern passed away at age 77 on July 2, 2014. George was a prominent family law attorney, active community leader and philanthropist, mentor, scholar, world traveler, sports fanatic, husband, father, Opa and friend to all. In spite of all he accomplished and did for others, when asked what life was all about, he would answer with two words: family and faith. George was born in Brussels, Belgium on February 16, 1937 the son of Blanche and Albert Stern. In May 1940 his parents left Brussels because the Nazis bombed and attacked the country. Thus began the long journey of 13 months through Europe and Cuba until he and his family arrived in Nashville, Tennessee in June of 1941. George attended school in Nashville and graduated high school in 1955. While in high school, George was an award-winning national debater. He was also very active in the Jewish community and held offices in various organizations, including being National Vice President from the South of Young Judaea, the national Zionist youth movement. In 1954 he was the recipient of the Ralph Sheppard award for outstanding young leadership in the Nashville Jewish community. In 1953, George began his long history and love of Jewish camping, working at the Jewish Community Center camp in Nashville, Camp Belle Aire, Camp Blue Star and Camp Judaea. It was at Camp Blue Star that George met Eva Prager, another German refugee, who became his wife on September 4, 1960. George and Eva were happily married until November 10, 2000 when Eva sadly passed away from ovarian cancer. While George spent his summers camping, he spent his post high school years at Vanderbilt University. He obtained his BA degree in 1959 and his Juris Doctorate in 1961 from Vanderbilt Law School, where he received numerous honors. In 1961 George became the Southern Director of Young Judaea and the Director of Camp Judaea which required he and Eva to move to Atlanta, GA. He was co-founder of the present location of Camp Judaea in Hendersonville, North Carolina. After running Camp Judea for two years, George (as nudged by his wife and father) decided it was time to begin his law career. George practiced law in Atlanta for 50 years, most of which specializing in family law in the practice he founded, Stern and Edlin. From 1998-1999, he was the National President of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, which group is composed of the 1500 best family lawyers in America. He was the Treasurer of the International Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers from 1991 to 2012 and was founder of the USA chapter of this organization. In 2011 he was presented the organization's President's Medal for his significant contribution to the Academy and to the practice of international family law. He has also been a member of the board of the Family Law Section of the American Bar Association. He was one of only 100 members of the American College of Family Trial Lawyers and he has been included in the "Best Lawyers in America" for over 15 years and, since its inception, has been continually listed as a Georgia Super Lawyer in Atlanta Magazine. In 2012 George received The Jack P. Turner Award from the Family Law Section of the State Bar of Georgia for his outstanding contribution and achievement in the area of family law for the past 50 years. Most recently, the Georgia Chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers created the George S. Stern Achievement Award and honored him to be the first recipient of the award that will recognize the recipient's accomplishments in the practice of family law and carry his name for years to come. While George had an incredible prowess as a family trial attorney, as evidenced by his numerous recognitions, he never recounted war stories or bragged about his accomplishments. What set him apart is all that he has done to improve the practice of law and to mentor young lawyers along the way through his teaching and compassion for the profession. Like everything else he did, he practiced law with his heart, wanting to accomplish the right outcome for all parties involved. In addition to his stellar career as an attorney, George was very active in the Jewish community ever since his high school years. He chaired numerous committees at The Marcus Jewish Community Center and was President from 1981-83. For over 20 years he was Chairman of the Leadership Development Committee of the Center and in 2007 he won the Erwin Zaban Bridge Building Award. He served on the board of Temple Sinai, where he was a founding member, and as a Vice President up until this year. He also served on the board and as a Vice President of The Amit Program and supported the organization from its inception to its unfortunate conclusion. In addition, George served on the Board of the Breman Jewish Heritage and Holocaust Museum until the time of his death, where he was also a speaker at the Museum teaching children from all over the Southeast about the nightmares he and others like him ensued during World War II. George Stern was a man of immense faith and love. He laid Tefillin everyday since he became a Bar Mitzvah (no matter where in the world he was) and he was always observant of his Jewish traditions and beliefs (as exemplified by his passionate singing of prayers during religious services). Following his beloved Eva's passing, he was fortunate to find love again. George married Margie Okun on February 17, 2006. Perhaps his greatest gift was to pass his love of life and Judaism to his family. George will be missed dearly by his children Michelle and Gary Simon, Carla and Greg Malever and Jason and Karinne Stern; his grandchildren Aaron, Kyle and Michael Simon, Rebecca and Eric Malever, and Ty, Evie and Maya Stern; and by his wife Margie Stern; her children Jay Sausmer and Allison Sausmer Horrobin; and her grandchildren Daphne, Jacob and Adam Sausmer. An online guestbook is available at www.edressler.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Weinstein Hospice, The Breman Jewish Heritage and Holocaust Museum or The Marcus Jewish Community Center. Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM Sunday, July 6, 2014 at Temple Sinai, 5645 Dupree Dr., NW, Atlanta, GA 30327 and will be streamed on-line at www.templesinaiatlanta.org. A private interment will follow. Arrangements by Dressler's Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

Published by Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Jul. 5, 2014.
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Memories and Condolences
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amazing Attorney and was so good to me when I started
my legal Business ,miss him so much .Great law firm

Sharon Jones Snellings

Friend

June 29, 2023

My deepest condolences. I didn't realize Mr. Stern had passed away. I was a student of his back in college at Oglethorpe University. I looked him up because I considered him to be one of the greatest teachers I ever had - throughout college and graduate school.
I wholeheartedly looked forward to his classes. There are not too many people in my life that have made such an impression. I cherish those memories.

Gordon Anderson

March 2, 2022

I moved to Atlanta eleven months ago and had looked forward to looking up my old friend George Stern. When the supplement listing the best lawyers in Atlanta arrived in my AJC this morning I saw his name and googled him and learned for the first time he had passed. After reading his obituary on line I was astounded that one person could have accomplished so much in one lifetime. I knew George as a fellow family lawyer at the annual meetings of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers in Chicago. I remember him as the friendliest person I ever knew. It was a joy just being near him and chatting with him. I miss him and I grieve for his family.

Meredith J Cohen, formerly of Orlando

Friend

March 12, 2021

For some unknown reason, I thought of George today, and Googled him in the hopes that maybe he would still be alive. I was one of "his kids" in the Jewish community of Nashville. He was about six years older than me, and was a leader of Young Judea, the JCC camp, and much more. I remember him as a tall, muscular, good-looking young man with a winning smile that won everyone over. I'm glad to hear that he was so successful in his life in Atlanta. His memory will be a blessing for us all.

Marvin (Mosh) Koch

Student

November 29, 2020

George you will be greatly missed , You were wonderful to use my Process Server business for many years . I enjoyed working with you and your staff Love you Sharon Snellings

Sharon Snellings

July 11, 2014

Great picture! This is the way I will always remember George, a big smile. He understood friendship and cherished being a friend as much as he appreciated one. I will miss you.

Jack Goger

July 11, 2014

remembered with admiration and respect...

comfort + light...
ivory t. brown

ivory brown

July 9, 2014

There will be a big void at any holiday diner.He was our leader.I will miss him a lot

Bob Simon

July 7, 2014

Rest in Peace, my good friend.

Don Lewis

July 6, 2014

George was good friend, a top -notch professional, a worthy and honorable opponent in court, and a credit to the Bar I will miss him.
God bless the family.

Kirby Turnage

July 5, 2014

What a great guy! He is the role model for how I hope to act as a grandfather.Never missing any of his grand kids games and always fun to be around. He was a prominent fixture at NYO for as long as I can remember. He will be truly missed. My condolences to all his friends and family.

Mike Sheehy

July 5, 2014

George was a truly wonderful man. He enriched my life in so many ways. I was lucky to know him. I will always remember his incredibly upbeat and positive disposition. I never met a person with more enthusiasm.

arthur balbirer

July 5, 2014

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