Brenda Dickerson Cerrato, age 67, passed away peacefully on July 7, 2014, from complications after surgery at The Heart Hospital Baylor in Plano, Texas. She was surrounded by her loving family. Brenda is survived by her husband of 43 years, Carl, and their daughter, Andrea Carol, husband, Steve Plunkett and two grandsons, Cade Michael and Carson William all from the Dallas area – the loves of her life!
Brenda was also survived by her mother, Frances Dickerson and sister, Carol Ann, husband Dale Aclin and sister-in-law, Carolyn, husband Glenn Chalmers all from the North Little Rock area and several cousins, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, James William Dickerson in 2005.
Brenda was born on April 22, 1947 in Prescott, Ark. At an early age the family moved to the Little Rock area where she attended local schools and graduated from North Little Rock High School, the Class of 65 "The Wildest Cats Alive." In 1969, she graduated from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock with a Bachelor's Degree. There she was active in a variety of honor organizations and a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. In 1975, Brenda received a MS Degree in Counseling and in 1977 the family moved to the Dallas area. She spent the next several years as housewife and mother until she returned to education. Brenda worked for approximately 20 years in the Plano Independent School District as a Counselor before retiring in 2004. She thoroughly enjoyed working with her students. Her warm and caring ways enabled her to influence and inspire many young students as they developed intellectually, physically and emotionally.
Brenda was a member of Christ United Methodist Church in Plano and the Koinonia Sunday School Class. She enjoyed several other community organizations especially Junior League. The last two years she served as President and a fine leader for the Plano/Richardson Kappa Kappa Gamma Alumnae Association.
Brenda enjoyed family and friends, traveling, shopping, and a warm blanket. She loved to rock and swing and enjoyed spending time at their home on the lake. At age 65, she took up tubing and riding four-wheelers with her grandsons. Brenda will especially be remembered as a gentle Southern lady and a kind and loyal friend. She always lit up a room with her beautiful smile and elegance. Brenda would be humbled by these words, but she was much more than words could ever describe. She will be greatly missed by all that knew her and were graced with her presence.
A Memorial Service will be held at Christ United Methodist Church, Saturday, July 19, at 11 a.m. A reception will follow immediately after the service in Trinity Hall. In memory of Brenda Dickerson Cerrato, the family suggests contributions be made to the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation, P.O. Box 38, Columbus, Ohio 43216-0038 or www.kappa.org/donation or a charity of your choice. All Kappa Kappa Gamma donations will be applied to The Scholarship Fund.

Published July 18, 2014