Lora Bernstein Cooley

Lora Bernstein Cooley, 64, of Gainesville, GA, passed away on September 10, 2026, following an astounding nearly four year knock-em-down, drag-em-out battle with glioblastoma and acute myeloid leukemia. She was a beloved wife, mother, sister, and friend to many.

Lora is survived by her husband, Jody; daughters Lila Kate (Matt) and Abby (Stephen); sister Robin; brothers Jason and Rick; stepmother Patti; god-daughter Bria; dog Maeve; and several dedicated pen pals.

Lora was born in Athens, GA, in 1961 to Lila Colquitt Bernstein and James Selig Bernstein. She learned the weight of responsibility early in her young life during the illness and death of her mother in 1972. She graduated from Clarke Central High School and attended the University of North Georgia in Dahlonega, where she met the love of her life, Jody, as a freshman. They were married in 1986 and were devoted to each other until the end. Lora held degrees from University of Georgia, University of North Georgia, and Piedmont University.

Lora had a calling to teaching. Over the course of her career, she taught hundreds of preschool and elementary-age children. Her methods were sometimes unorthodox; she encouraged fourth graders to limit their screen time by holding a rally at which she beat an old TV with a baseball bat. Later, while teaching preschoolers at EE Butler Center, she made a profound impact on non-verbal preschool students by teaching them to speak.

Lora had a strong internal belief system and was a mighty force in amplifying what she knew was right and wrong. She made her voice heard and would not hesitate to write a letter to the editor, speak at a public forum, or hold up a homemade sign at a protest—activities she continued even during her cancer treatment.

Lora was a woman of deep faith and a longtime member at Gainesville First United Methodist Church. Over the years, she served the church in many ways: as preschool director, youth group counselor, committee member five times over, Sunday School teacher, and Bible study leader. Her GFUMC family has been invaluable to her entire Gainesville life.

Lora will be remembered for her unwavering loyalty and generosity of spirit to the people who mattered to her: her husband and daughters, whom she supported with her whole heart until the day that she died; her friends, who could always count on her for a laugh and an honest opinion; her family, whom she loved fiercely and protectively; and the innumerable number of people she helped with necessary home improvements, school supplies, or financial support.

The Cooley family wishes to thank the entire team of medical professionals who have helped care for Lora across Northeast Georgia Medical Center, Piedmont, and Emory health systems, particularly the infusion center nurses at Emory Johns Creek, who provided unceasingly compassionate care to Lora and Jody both twice a week for nine months.

A service will be held at Gainesville First United Methodist Church on Saturday, September 19 at 2 pm and is open to all who knew her. A reception will follow at the church. Lora loved clothing and consistently expressed hope that people would wear bright and happy outfits to her service.

In place of flowers, the Cooley family asks that you consider a donation to The Knox Martin Foundation for Brain Cancer Research, which funds innovative research on glioblastoma, the most aggressive form of brain cancer. https://www.knoxmartinfoundation.org/give

Those wishing to send online condolences to the family may do so at masonfuneralhomegainesville.com

Mason Funeral Home, 758 Main Street, SW, Gainesville, Georgia 30501, is in charge of arrangements.

This announcement is placed as a courtesy to the family by Bernstein Funeral Home.