Debra Clare Brenner

Debra Clare Brenner, 73, of Athens, GA died on September 18, 2024 following a fall that caused a brain hemorrhage. Debra (“Deb”) is survived by her husband of 45 years, John Olive, her son Nathan, daughter Jaime, sister Patti, daughter-in-law Charlotta, granddaughters Meja and Astrid, and beloved poodles Mo and Peach. With an enveloping warmth and vivacious humor, Deb brought smiles to everyone she met and will be forever held in the hearts of an amazing community of family and friends.

Deb grew up in East Meadow, NY and graduated from Hofstra University before gaining her Masters degree in Deaf Education from the University of Arizona. She taught at the Atlanta Area School for the Deaf and co-founded a sign language theatre group called Stage Hands. Deb and John moved to Athens, GA in 1986 to continue their careers at the University of Georgia where Deb served as a counselor and advocate for students with disabilities. Deb’s passion for helping others led to her and John raising nine guide-dog puppies together. The family joined the Athens Mother’s Center during the early years of their children’s lives, and friendships made there have endured and strengthened to this day.

Deb and John began attending the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Athens (UUFA) in 1987. Deb was a dynamic member of the congregation, volunteering for youth programs, singing in the choir, and joining the Palms of Fire drum circle. She was also an active member of the Social Action Committee. Her passion for social and racial justice extended to the wider Athens community where she joined the Board of the Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement (AADM) in 2016. Deb was also a strong ally to the LGBTQ+ and LatinX communities and supporter of voting rights. She was involved with the National Alliance of Mental Health and openly shared her Bipolar II diagnosis to help reduce stigma. Her empathy and passion for inclusivity was a bright light in our world.

In retirement, Deb was active in performing arts, appearing in ASL productions with Hands In and volunteering both on and back stage with the Town & Gown. One of her favorite performances was Calendar Girls, which was featured on the front page of the Flagpole newspaper with a photo of the almost naked cast. Deb insisted she wasn’t totally naked—she was wearing her mother’s string of pearls! Other highlights from her time on stage include an artistic ASL interpretation at Athens in Harmony and sharing a hilarious story at Rabbit Box on the theme of “Gone but not forgotten.”

In 2020, Deb was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease and embraced it with humor, positivity and action. She was a dynamic member of the Parkinson’s community, frequently attending boxing, online classes and support groups. Deb also found immense joy with her local crafting group, the Old Crows, and as an avid Mahjong player.

May Debra serve as an inspiration to accept all with open arms, help others selflessly, love unconditionally and laugh wholeheartedly. Deb truly made this world a better place and she will be deeply missed.

A celebration of Debra’s life will be held at the UUFA in the coming months (date TBD). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to AADM at www.aadmovement.org or to the Parkinson’s Foundation: www.parkinsons.org