Cobb County is mourning the loss of a woman who became a well-known figure because of her work in the community.
Ralene “Babe” Atkins-Byrne died Friday morning, friends and family have confirmed. Atkins-Byrne is the wife of Bill Byrne, who served as Cobb County Commission chairman from 1992 to 2002.
Atkins-Byrne was an administrative assistant for Cobb County Superior Court Judge George Kreeger, membership committee chairwoman for the Cobb County Republican Women’s Club and a member of the Cobb County Legal Professionals Association (a branch of the former National Association of Legal Secretaries).
Sheila Brower, president of the club, said news of Byrne’s death came as a surprise because she recently communicated with her through email about an upcoming meeting.
Judge Kreeger said Atkins-Byrne worked for him from 1979 until a few years ago. The Marietta resident was a loyal, dedicated employee who was always cheerful, the judge said.
“I didn’t have to worry about things not getting done,” he said.
Fellow Mariettan Rose Wing, who said Atkins-Byrne was in her 70s, came to know her when she began working with Cobb County’s Pretrial Court Services in the 1970s. She and Atkins-Byrne remained close, even after she passed the bar exam and went to work in the Cobb County District Attorney’s Office.
“Babe was always so very helpful in the courthouse,” she said, adding Atkins-Byrne did her job with a smile.
Atkins-Byrne’s passion wasn’t just reserved for her career, Wing said. She was also known for rolling up her sleeves and doing what she can to make an event successful.
“If anyone was doing an event, they made sure she knew because she can get the people to come and she could raise money for the event,” Wing said.
Judge Kreeger added Atkins-Byrne “could raise more money for charity than anybody I’ve crossed paths with.”
The Cobb Republican Women's Club honored Atkins-Byrne's service with the creation of a $1,000 Babe Atkins-Byrne Scholarship, which is awarded annually to two female high school or college students.
Brower said Atkins-Byrne is a “wonderful lady” will be remembered for her involvement in Cobb County organizations.
“I don’t think she had one enemy,” she said. “Everybody just loved Babe.”
Information on a funeral or memorial service was not available late Friday.
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