Gwinnett Daily Post

Bedford, Iris " Omi" Dorothea ,81, of Atlanta departed this life November 12, 2008, after a long illness. A native of Germany she survived many obstacles during WWII. She proudly became an American citizen and made Atlanta her home. Although in declining health Omi's humor and loving manner remained. She loved laughter, caffeine free diet coke, Doe's famous oatmeal, Mickey's coffee, being silly, singing ‘Happy Birthday' to loved ones, animals, playing piano, dancing, watching hummingbirds, flowers, an array of music, the weather, the color yellow, "Mash," "The Cosby Show," voting, ice cream, being a grandmother/great grandmother, and spending time with family and friends. She loved holidays, especially Christmas. Omi's contagious smile and bright blue eyes will be greatly missed. Omi is preceded in death by her husband Lt. Col. (Retired) H.R. Bedford. She is survived by daughters; Dorothea “Doe“ Bedford, Atlanta; Michelle “Mickey” Shepard, Lawrenceville; randchildren; Allen Shepard, Duluth; Bryan and his wife Ashlee Shepard, Bethlehem; Steven Shepard, Lawrenceville; great- grandson; Austin Shepard, Florida; sisters; Ruth (and Jim) Brown, Arizona; Brigitte Wiebel, Germany; nieces and nephews; pets; Jin-Jin and Shoney, Atlanta; and many loving friends and caretakers. A visitation will be held at the Chapel of Cremation Society of the SOUTH in Marietta on Tuesday, November 18, 2008 at 11:30am with a memorial service to follow at 12:30pm and a procession to the Marietta National Cemetery where she will be interred with her husband's remains at 2pm. There will be a reception at the family home afterwards. In lieu of flowers please donate in Omi's name to a local animal rescue or the UGA Veterinary School. Cremation Society of the SOUTH is in charge of arrangements (770) 420-5557.