In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Alliance on Mental Illness at www.nami.org or NAMI Cobb, P.O. Box 999, Kennesaw, GA 30156.
Mildred served as President of NAMI South Cobb from its charter February 22, 1993 for 20 years. Mildred provided a long-standing commitment & affection for the mentally ill of Cobb County, even when the community at large didn’t understand mental illness. She has proven to be a valuable resource & guide for both the mentally ill & their family members. She was a tremendous positive force in trying to break the stigma of mental illness in Cobb County. Mildred gave totally of herself through her heart & hands & soul. Her giving spirit has tremendously blessed Cobb County. If there were more individuals like Mildred Cunard, “What a Wonderful Life We Would Have in Cobb County.” She collaborated with the Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network to provide scholarships for persons who suffer from mental illness to attend the Annual Conference at St. Simons Island in the summer. Mildred collaborated with NAMI Cobb to secure training for Certified Peer Specialists, CPS. Annually, Mildred would coordinate a Thanksgiving Dinner for about 100 members, family members, & community members. The Thanksgiving Dinner would not only include food, but many gifts for all attendees. At Christmas she would collaborate with the Cobb Douglas Community Services Board to have food & gifts for all the people serviced. Mildred coordinated other parties with the CSB before they switched to strictly clinical hours. When Mildred was able, she raised money through the NAMI WALKS, NAMI FOOD FOR THOUGHT & other NAMI initiatives. Mildred taught classes, advocated at the Georgia Capitol, gave speeches in the community to help break the stigma of mental illness. I remember at one Christmas party, Mildred literally gave the holiday sweatshirt off her back to a consumer. Mildred’s kindness, empathy & self-direction have impacted countless individuals & their families. Mildred worked with many organizations to secure the basic necessities of life for many of the mentally ill in Cobb County. She did this in a very humble & humanitarian way. Her “hands on” approach was very comforting to hundreds of individuals & family members throughout the county. We have been truly blessed to have such a charismatic lady.
Mildred won many awards during her life even though she never asked for accolades. She was recognized by Wellstar Hospital in 1993. In 1994 she was the National Volunteer of the Year from AARP. In 1997 she was awarded a plaque from the Sweetwater Chapter of AARP in recognition of her mental health outreach. 1997 she was also recognized by her church, Calvary Baptist, & Sweetwater CAMP for her outstanding efforts in helping to serve the mentally ill. In 1998 Mildred won the Adult Honorable Mention in the individual category with the JC Penny & United Way of Metro Atlanta Golden Rule Award. In 1999 Mildred won the National Chapter & Unit Community Service Award for the year for AARP. In 2000 she won the South Cobb Citizen of the Year Award. In 2004 NAMI Georgia presented Mildred with the Individual Achievement Award for “Your Many, Many Years of Love Filled Service.” Also, in 2004 NAMI Georgia presented NAMI South Cobb Affiliate – the Outstanding Consumer Support Affiliate in the state of Georgia with Mildred Cunard as the President. In 2007 Mildred was awarded the United Way & AJC – Heart in Hand Volunteer of the Year Award. Also, in 2007 Mildred accepted the NAMI South Cobb Affiliate Award.