Leslie Lezia Brenner

  Dr. Leslie Lezia Brenner    Dr. Leslie Lezia Brenner, an Atlanta psychologist known for her expertise in treating addictive disease as well as other emotional disorders, died on April 2nd. , after a lengthy battle with several chronic health problems.  Dr. Brenner, who was in private practice, was interviewed a number of times on national television on topics related to addiction and various causes of depression.  She was known for her ability to use her sense of humor to keep the issues in proper perspective.  A gracious hostess, she loved to share her home with her many friends. She lived for three decades in her home and had furnished it with antiques that she was constantly searching to find.   With her artistic eye, Dr. Brenner seemed to know when a piece would add to the looks and comfort of her home. An ardent fan of the Atlanta Braves, she had a group of friends who looked forward to each season so they could join again at the stadium in their regular seats. Leslie loved all living things, especially her own cats. Over the years she had numerous cats on whom she lavished considerable care and affection. Her love for animals also made her a supporter of the Atlanta Zoo.  She had a longtime tradition of taking her Goddaughter Catherine Dillon and other friends there.  Dr. Brenner understood the importance of taking time to regenerate herself by getting away from the pressures of her practice. Her favorite means of relief, other than spending time with friends, was to travel to Siesta Key in Florida. Over the years she developed a coterie of friends in that area and always looked forward to re-connecting with them while visiting there. Born in San Antonio, TX, Dr. Brenner graduated from Baylor University and went on to acquire Masters Degrees from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky. and the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, before completing a doctorate at Georgia State University in Atlanta.  As a Psychologist, she worked in Public Mental Health for a number of years at Clayton Mental Health Center in Riverdale, GA,  before opening her own office in the Buckhead area of Atlanta. She is survived by two sisters, the Rev. Ilene Dunn of Round Rock, TX and Becky Brenner, an Art Teacher and Artist from San Antonio, TX, as well as three nieces and one nephew. She was the devoted Godmother to Catherine Dillon and honorary Godmother to many of Catherine’s friends. Services will be held at Morningside Presbyterian Church (1411 N. Morningside Drive, Atlanta, 30306) at 3:00 PM on Sunday, April 13th.