The Gainesville woman who spent seven years as the director of the agency that evolved into Challenged Child & Friends has passed away at the age of 82.
Happy Garner Kirkpatrick was the director of the North Georgia Children Center in the 1960s; following her time with that agency, Kirkpatrick completed college at Brenau Women's College and then spent 18 years as the school counselor for Brenau Academy. Her obituary said "he loved her special education students and her high school girls."
Kirkpatrick was a devoted volunteer for the community, actively serving Gainesville First United Methodist Church, the Gainesville Junior Service League, Brenau College Alumni Association, Chi Omega Sorority, Lakeview Academy, Contact Telephone Ministries, NEGA Medical Center Auxiliary, Hall County Historical Society, NEGA History Center and others. Kirkpatrick was the first female Jury Commissioner for Hall County.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, March 25, 2016 at Gainesville First United Methodist Church.
Happy Garner Kirkpatrick was 82.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2016/3/379567/memorial-service-set-for-special-education-advocate-happy-kirkpatrick