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Frank Rockstroh was a man of many facets: a news photographer, real estate agent, advocate of left-wing causes, student of martial arts, seeker of spiritual clarity, long-distance hiker and a proud 50-percent Native American. In the early 1960s he covered the civil rights movement in Birmingham for the Black Star photo syndicate.

She learned early that life was a game of chance, but also grasped how to win with the cards she was dealt, too. Elizabeth Ahlquist, a longtime Avondale Estates resident, Navy veteran and retired assistant postmaster, died Tuesday of congestive heart failure.

Although he left Atlanta in the 1980s, the beat went on for Robert Nix, the first drummer of the Atlanta Rhythm Section, a Southern rock band that had a number of hit records in the 1970s. Over the past three decades, Mr. Nix continued to make music and enjoy life, friends and family said.

Viola Clark’s secret to a long life wasn’t really a secret at all, family members said. She ate healthy foods, kept her mind active and lived a simple life. “She fixed her vegetables fresh, not out of a can,” said Montine Clark, her daughter-in-law who lives in Monroe.

Mary Williams’ paintings were a direct reflection of her bold, vibrant personality. Her colors were as true as her feelings toward you, friends and family said. “She understood, color,” said Caroline Budd, a friend who owns a framing shop in Atlanta. “She understood, to make a good painting, you didn’t have to water down anything, the same way she didn’t water down life.

Judson Simmons’ optimism amazed his family and friends. No matter the situation, they all knew how Mr. Simmons would react. “He really was the eternal optimist,” said Carlile Chambers, a childhood friend who lives in Atlanta. “And he thought everything was just going to be great.

In a business where longevity is rare, Warren Bruno was a restaurateur who not only endured but scored notable drink-and-dine successes, earning the admiration of patrons, employees, fellow restaurateurs and neighboring businessmen and homeowners. His wife and business partner, Sandra Spoon, called him a visionary with a strong sense of what hungry and/or thirsty customers want in a bistro or a watering hole.

The daughter of an avid gardener, Eileen Simms developed an affinity for horticulture at a young age. She was particularly fond of daylilies, making regular visits to White Oak Farm in Edisto Island, S.C. to experience daylily blooming season. She was a member of numerous gardening clubs and societies, including the Georgia Native Plant Society, Marietta Gardeners Club, American Hydrangea Society, American Horticultural Society and the Cobb County Daylily Society.

Suzanne Mohr was looking forward to becoming a mother. And she would have been great because she was such a caring and thoughtful person, family members said. “It didn’t matter if you were sick, or just had a hangnail,” said Eileen Riordan, her mother who lives in Bronxville, N.

The Rev. Elward Ellis always rooted for the underdog. He championed the causes of the marginalized and he wanted the voices of the minority heard. Social change and social justice issues were part of his life’s work. A life that ended suddenly Saturday morning after Rev.

While many girls her age were in high school, Passie "Pat" Jones was in college, preparing to be a scientist. Her lifelong and infectious interest in chemistry and science took her from academic research labs to the state crime lab. “She was an inspiration and encouraged my love for the sciences at an early age,” said Michael Jones, a grandson who lives in San Diego.

When Martyn Richardson took a job as a truck driver for the Coca-Cola Co. in the United Kingdom, he had a plan. With a background in marketing and graphic design, he knew there were ways he could put his talents to good use with the international beverage company.

Whatever the task, Simone Watson was up for the challenge. The Clark Atlanta University graduate student was so driven, friends and family would feel compelled to hop on and take the ride with her. “She pushed us all, because she was so motivated,” said Tyonia Wright, of Decatur.

Ainsley Higgins loved things most kids love, watching television, being with her friends and listening to music. She communicated love to everyone around her, even though a rare disease kept her from speaking and limited her movement. Ainsley was born on June 13, 2005 at Northside Hospital in Atlanta.

When Dr. Jean Staton knew what she wanted, that was what she went after. It didn’t matter if it hadn’t been done before, there was no need to try to talk her out of it, her mind was made up. “She just didn’t take ‘No’ for an answer,” said Monti Staton, her daughter-in-law who lives in Stone Mountain.

The wisdom that Juanita Overton possessed was more than just common sense. The tidbits and morsels she passed on to her offspring and others in her community came from years of life experience. And not all of those experiences were ones a person would want to recall, her family said.

It was the wedding of her dreams. It took her a year to plan, but Sue Spencer did it. Even as cancer ravaged her body, and two of her sons helped her down the aisle, she enjoyed every bit of her wedding day, March 30, and just before her 30th wedding anniversary on April 4.

Father Malachy Corley was enthusiastic about his life at the Monastery of the Holy Spirit in Conyers. Though he wasn’t a chatty man, it was clear his life was enriched after he became a Trappist monk, his nephew said. “He set a great example for our whole family,” said Patrick Corley, a nephew who lives in St.

Jane Bishop had a vision for what a theater company should look like. She wanted to see a company that reflected the world, its people and different cultures. Ms. Bishop got the chance to see such a thing when she helped Kenny Leon establish True Colors Theater Company in 2002.

Toby Martin was devoted to art. As a young child, he loved combing through discarded items at his grandfather's dump to view shapes, colors and light. This nourished his passion for the arts, particularly in the area of sculpture. Mr. Martin was born in Jacksonville, Fla.

William Olson always saw his glass as half-full. Despite a childhood cancer diagnosis, he looked for ways to continue living. “He had plenty to complain about, but that’s never what he did,” said Claire Olson, a sister who lives in Atlanta. “He wanted to find ways to make his life more enjoyable.

Richard “Bill” Littlefield knew Georgia politics, law and Hawaiian-themed shirts. An attorney and former state senator, Mr. Littlefield was habitually a very serious man. But he also enjoyed extended periods of laughter that provided great balance, his family said.

Ruth "Bootsie" Smith wanted to be clear about her geographical alliances. If you asked where she was from, the answer wasn't an easy one, but it did make people smile. “She’d say, ‘I am Georgia born, Tar Heel bred, and when I die, I'll be Atlanta dead,’” said Helen Smith Glover, a daughter who lives in Atlanta.

Lindsey Foland grew up around the theater, so it was natural that she wanted to work in the performing arts as an adult. She had the talent to do on-stage acting, but she seemed to thrive in her behind-the-scenes roles. “She knew every aspect of the theater,” said John Foland, her father, who lives in Port St.

For Denise Gray, taking a photograph wasn’t as easy as whipping out a cell phone. As a professional photographer, Ms. Gray knew her picture would be more than just a reflection of the person she photographed, so she took great pains to make sure everything was just right.