Daniel Cohen, Sr.

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” – II Timothy 4:7-8

Daniel Shederick “Red” Cohen, Sr., was born on March 15, 1938, to the late Louetta Radford and Elder Rhubel Cohen in Waynesville, Georgia. He received his formal education in the Brantley and Ware County school systems. He completed the prescribed coursework in the County Commissioners Training Program from the University of Georgia. He accepted Christ as his Savior at an early age and was united with St. Matthew AME Church.

Daniel Shederick Cohen, Sr., was united in holy matrimony with Bessie Rountree on June 26, 1982, in Nahunta, Georgia. In his leisure, he enjoyed fishing, working in his yard, spending time with family, going to church, being with his friends, and watching the news. His favorite colors were “Red,” Black, and White. He was employed by Georgia Pacific as a kiln operator for thirty-three years.

He was an active member of the Brantley County NAACP. He was the first African American to serve on the Brantley County Board of Commissioners, where he served for twelve years. He was president of the Brantley County Democratic Party, past Worshipful Mast of the Masonic Lodge #122, and devout member and leader of St. Matthew AME Church.

He was also a member of the following boards: Brantley County Library Board, Brantley County EMS and 911, and the Industrial Parks recreation parks in Nahunta, Waynesville, and Schlatterville. Other boards he served on were Regional Development Board, US Highway, and National Board of Farmers. He always gave generously of his time and talent.

Daniel Shederick Cohen, Sr., departed this life on August 23, 2025. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Joda, Rhuben, Marvin, Christopher, and Timothy; and sisters, Ruth, Shirley, Sara, and Frances.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his loving and devoted wife of forty-three years, Bessie Rountree Cohen; children, Daniel S. (Angela) Cohen, Jr., Michael L. Cohen, Jeffery (Hinesta) Cohen, Paula Daniels, Maxine, Calvin (Terry) Baker, Deborah Baker, and Angela Baker Robinson; bonus son, Ervin (Sylvia) Carter; sisters, Vern Cohen, Fostenia Cohen, and Linda Cohen Thompson; grandchildren, Daniel S. (Jacqueline) Cohen III, Erica (Ransom) Cohen, Chevon (Paul) Higgins, Katrina Cohen, Veronica (Tremaine) Walker, Taran Parrish, Danielle Cohen, Samantha Stone (Kenzie) Dingle, Harmony Daniel, Demetrius Hart, Jr., Katrina Norris, Calvin (Mercedes) Baker, Jr., Tasha and Candace Thomas, Andrea Lontaye Baker, Rodney Green, Rashieda Green, Zaydriane McMillan, Tony (Christy) McMillan, Adriane (Brittany) McMillan, and Jacqueline Legrear; fifty-two great-grandchildren; brothers and sisters in-law Isaac (Katie) Rountree, Irene Rountree, Major Lee, and Eloise Rountree; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives.