Terri Cohilas

COHILAS, Terri Terri Brown McCullough Cohilas, 57, of Morrow died Monday, Aug. 25, 2014, after a courageous battle with cancer. Her strength, character and grace inspired all who knew her. A native of College Park, she is survived by the love of her life, husband Alex Cohilas, Clayton County Fire Chief and EMA Director (Ret.) of Morrow; her father, Joe L. Brown of Brooks, Ga.; daughter Ryan (Jake) Kunz of Brooks, Ga.; son Joshua (Jennifer) McCullough of Jackson, Ga.; stepsons Christopher (Karen) Cohilas of Albany, Ga., and Andrew Cohilas of Sneads Ferry, N.C.; siblings Mike (Phyllis) Brown of Cochran, Ga., Cheryl (Jim) Burchfield of Brooks, Ga., and Ted (Penny) Brown of Sharpsburg, Ga.; and eight grandchildren (with two more on the way), who were among her greatest joys in life. She was preceded in death by her mother, Helen Cochran Brown. Terri graduated from Georgia State University with a bachelor's degree in journalism in 1979 and was an accomplished newspaper reporter and editor early in her career. She worked for the Fayette County News, the Clayton News Daily, and the Atlanta Business Chronicle, where she earned a reputation for fairness and integrity. She joined Georgia Power as a communications specialist in 1999 and moved in 2001 to the corporate communications staff of its parent company, Southern Company. During her tenure there, Terri worked in media relations, investor relations, employee communications, and as an executive speechwriter. At the time of her death, she was assistant to the vice president of corporate communication and to the president of external affairs. Terri earned many awards for her work while at Southern Company. She also earned the respect and trust of everyone with whom she worked, serving as a mentor to many and a beloved friend to all. Terri considered life an adventure, and following her marriage to Alex, it was indeed a grand, romantic and fabulous adventure. She faced challenges with class, dignity and an unflappable spirit. She assured loved ones in recent days that death was just a doorway to her next big adventure. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Sept. 6 at 11 a.m. at the Tara Baptist Church, 10461 Tara Blvd., Jonesboro, Ga. 30238. Pastor Ron Little will preside. The family will receive visitors from 10-11 a.m. at the church prior to the service. A repast will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Terri's name to the Winship Cancer Institute at Emory Winship Development Office, 1762 Clifton Road, Suite 1400, Atlanta, Ga. 30322.