Booker T. Izell

Birdie and Gwen, I am so sorry for your loss. It was an honor to work with Booker. His commitment to excellence in everything he pursued was inspiring and his rehab journey was no exception. He surpassed every goal before him and then wanted to know, "What's next?" Booker was humble attributing all of his success to God and his family. He never missed an opportunity to encourage others and he never backed down from a challenge. I hope you find comfort in the many happy memories you shared knowing that you were well loved. And May God's Perfect Love bring Strength and Peace. God Bless, April

Birdie and Gwen, we share in your loss and grief. Booker embodied love in all he did and gave to others. It's so fitting that his birthday is Valentine's Day. He changed our culture at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution with boldness and humility, always wanting the best outcome for all involved. My greatest desire was to walk in his shoes and learn from him. His spirit will live on in so many of us whose lives he touched. My sincere condolences to you. Sharmen Gowens

Birdie and fmaily, Please accept our sincere condolences and prayers during this challenging time. Be safe and be blessed! Atlanta Pro-Duffers

The entire staff of Emory Rehabilitation Hospital would like to send along its condolences to the family. Booker & Birdie inspired so many others through their many years of service with our programs. God bless you as you grieve.

Eric Garrard, CEO Emory Rehabilitation Hospital

Uncle Booker was one of my favorite uncles. As a kid, he would always greet me with our special kiss that tickled me to no end because it always caught me by surprise. (Mmmmm...long pause...then muah.) I remember being devastated by their move as a kid because I looked forward to that normal ritual. I looked up to this guy. He was smart, influential, and one of a kind. Uncle Booker will truly be missed.

The passing of Booker Izell arouses many fond memories I have of him from our association starting in 1979 at Dayton Newspapers. Booker was competent at everything he did and he did a lot of different things from running a circulation department in Springfield, Ohio, to being the top diversity resource at the Atlanta Journal-Constituion. Booker always spoke up when it was necessary, be in comfortable or uncomfortable, but to me he was a tremendously valuable working behind the scenes. Whether it was contentious labor negotiations in Springfield, facilitating diversity training for Cox Newspapers, or raising crucial issues before they spilled over, Booker was a major player. Booker treated everyone with respect and with an open ear. He was an valued employee, but best of all, he and Birdie were friends. Roger Kintzel

On behalf of the entire Emory Rehabilitation Hospital and the Stroke Survivor's Club, I would like to offer our sincerest condolences. I had the honor of being one of Mr. Izell's Therapist and he was simply amazing! I will always remember his beautiful smile and kind heart. Mrs. Izell, thank you for always being his number one supporter and for being so involved with his activities with in his therapy sessions and during our support group meetings. Peace, Love & Blessings, Sherrill Rucker-Peoples

Our deepest sympathy to Birdie, Gwen, and his family. He was a good friend and a great leader. Sincerely: Leonard and Connie Gaffney

Birdie and Gwen, May God bless and keep you as you celebrate the life of your beloved husband and father. So many of us at work considered Booker a mentor and are thankful to have had him in our lives. His impact will live on forever in those he touched. May he rest in paradise. Love, Joe and Angela Tuck

I was blessed to meet Booker immediately upon joining Cox in 1987. Instantly, it was clear that he was a different man promoting a vision of a different company. He taught courage, risk taking and speaking truth to power to us all. As he transitions to his heavenly home, Booker's legacy continues in each of us, the hundreds (at least) he touched on his earthly journey. He challenged everyone he encountered to reflect upon themselves, and most emerged better and more self aware. My sincere condolences to Birdie and Gwen, and thank you for sharing him with us. Rest in Power and Peace, my friend.

Charles Parker

A respected Executive leader, who became my advisor, mentor, and in time my friend. Unselfish with his time, he took every opportunity to mentor scores of individuals across the Cox businesses, United States Steel, and the Atlanta business and non-profit community. I have personally known two inspirational leaders in my time, who influenced my leadership style and positively impacted my career: General Gary E. Luke (US Army), and Booker Izell (US Marine Corps). Both of these men taught me to lead with my heart... But Booker went deeper in teaching me to listen - for understanding – in order to begin to see and appreciate perspectives different from my own... in essence to see, and understand, a different reality as a precursor to helping others. Booker helped us "get out of our way" in working to become the persons we needed to be. Courageous and gentle, he showed me (and others) through his example what it looked like to do the right thing - in word and deed. "Overcome your fear of being fired...", he would say - "It gets in the way of your integrity!" Birdie – He loved you without reservation! Gwen – He was so proud of you! He cared so much for us all... What a good, kind, and loving man, who's unselfish life we celebrate today... I, and my family, are blessed to have known him. Oh, my good Lord, how I miss him so! Rest Easy, Booker.

Reed Kimbrough

Birdie & Family, praying you peace and comfort during this time of mourning. It was an honor knowing you and Booker. When he selected my nephew Eric for the Cox scholarship. When we had the pleasure of meeting you both & discovering we attended the same church. I knew it was ordained by God. That he would be a blessing for him to mentor Eric. So we celebrate Booker from labor to reward. Thanks again for your love & support. GOD BLESS Taylor & Draughn Family

My heartfelt condolences to Birdie and Gwen, and all of those who loved Booker and were touched by his warmth, friendship, and leadership. Evidence of who he was is apparent in his legacy. My thoughts and prayers are with the Izell family and extended circle at this time. Sincerely, Renea Bartlett Pope & family

To Birdie and the Izell family, we extend our sincere condolences. Whether it was at the Emory pool or stroke survivor meetings, Booker always demonstrated his desire to keep moving forward with courage and wit. You could tell he and my husband Ed were used to being "the boss." Those Ohio natives enjoyed sharing their ideas, joking and encouraging each other despite their challenges. We are blessed to have known Booker. He will be sorely missed! We will be praying for you and your family.-Crystal Edmonson Lewis

My deepest condolences to the Izell Family. I never had the privilege of meeting Mr.Izell but I've heard his sister Mrs.Ethel Jenkins speak lovingly of her brother for years. May God's Blessings prevail during this time of bereavement. Kay Webb Wilson Dayton, Ohio

My Sincere Condolences too Mrs Jenkins and the Izell Family. From the Stevens Family.

Dear Birdie and Gwen my heart and prayers go out to you. Mr. Izell was truly one-of-a-kind! He was certainly a man of God.I have so much love and admiration him. I pray you can find comfort in knowing that he is now present with the Lord. - Donna Talley

To Birdie and Gwen, We are so saddened to hear of your loss of your beloved Booker. We share in your loss and wish you peace and love as you grieve. May God be with you and your family. Craig and Delores Epps

I was truly honored to be one of Mr. Izell's therapist when he was at Emory CRM. One of the fondest memories I have is when he requested that he see Barack Obama's inauguration speech in Jan 2009. He said, "I want to stand to hear his speech." Booker did all he could to stand from his wheelchair while I was supporting his arm and leg in order to give his respect. Booker, you are truly missed. My sincerest condolences to his wife, Birdie and family. Beth Brown Terrell

Cousin Booker T. I will always cherish the memories of you being such a kind and caring man. You always made sure everyone was good, never selfish are judging. I loved you and Birdie from day one of meeting you. I remember when you came to Miami and I had the pleasure to cook for you and have dinner. My kids and I enjoyed your company so much and Sunday you came to church and act as if though that was your house. I want Birdie and your daughter to know I will always cherish your memories and will continue to love on your family. That is what families do in times like this. Take your rest until we meet again love your cousin Tootie" aunt Bertha daughter.

Mr. Izell a long time patient of mine. I always admired his fight and will to persevere! He will be missed by me and all of the rehab staff as he shared his will to keep on keeping on that was infectious with all of my patients that were in his presence. My heart and prayers go out to his family whom were always by his side. Dr. Milton

Dear Birdie, I am grateful that you allowed me to share in the wonderful love you and Mr. Izell shared for the many years that he came to rehab and doctor appointments. I am truly saddened and sending you lots of hugs along with prayers for you and your family. He will truly be missed by all who knew him. Please know that I am here for you if there is any way I can be of assistance. Marian Bailey - Emory Healthcare

Not right now, but after a while you will know that he present with the Lord and that's what Booker knew would happen when he put others 1st..when he taught skills...when he mentored...when he was simply present with that anointed voice of his. We Love you all and are praying God continues to strengthen y'all daily. Much Love from The Bradleys, Bertha's Family in Auburn Alabama

Birdie and Gwen; You shared Booker with us at the AJC and Cox and for that we are eternally grateful. While we all mourn his loss we celebrate his life filled with giving, coaching, and genuinely caring for so many. My heart is heavy but I know he's in a better place somewhere in heaven giving tips to others on how to be more inclusive, play bid whist a little better and how to grip the clubs a little stronger for the long ball. We miss you Book. - Brenda Reid

I had not met Booker Izell personally. I knew of Booker through my sister, Christy White, who told me of all she was learning through him. She worked with Booker at Cox for a number of years and always spoke very highly of him. He was an amazing man who taught about diversity and inclusion when this world so desperately needs it. The world has lost a great teacher, mentor, paradigm shifter and human being. My sister taught me the things that she learned through Booker. It is in this way that Booker's legacy lives on. I have much more to learn, but will always remember Booker T. Izell. My condolences go out to his family and friends in this hard time. Sincerely, Debba White

Uncle Booker was a man's man. He was there for me as a role-model in life and in business. I also appreciate him for convincing me to move to Atlanta with my family. He was a strong, supportive man and I will miss him. I promised him that my family and I would be there for my Aunt Birdie and my cousin Gwen. We will continue to wrap our arms around them in love.

Dear Birdie (and daughter Gwen), my childhood friend of many decades: I am very saddened to hear of the passing of your cherished husband, whom I never had the privilege of meeting, but I've heard many wonderful anecdotes about your enduring marriage and of Mr. Izell's success in his professional and business ventures. Birdie, I've known almost every member of your family. your sisters, mother, and your father, Glover Carpenter, and many cousins. My sincere sympathy in your loss. Just know that were truly blessed to have BookerT.Izell in your life as a husband, father and spiritual companion. Love, Xavier Holt (Smith) of Columbia Maryland.

For 40 years Booker served as our teacher at Cox. In his words and actions, Booker patiently instructed all of us (especially a white man like me) what it meant to be black and how it felt in a white company. It was a never-ending task, but Booker always conveyed grace and patience. He taught us about life, how to become better people. His was an act of love. He was a dear friend, a wonderful husband and a great father. My sympathies to Birdie and Gwen. Jay Smith

I am deeply saddened in the loss of Cousin Booker. He was such an amazing and kindhearted man. He will be deeply missed. Birdie, Gwen and rest of family, I pray that God will comfort and strengthen you during this time of bereavement. Cherish the great memories you had with him, he lives on in all of you.—-Cousin Phillis Hodge

I am deeply saddened in the loss of Cousin Booker. He was such an amazing and kindhearted man. He will be deeply missed. Birdie, Gwen and rest of family, I pray that God will comfort and strengthen you during this time of bereavement. Cherish the great memories you had with him, he lives on in all of you.

Birdie and Gwen, Sending prayers and support during your time of loss. Booker was an amazing man. Peace and Blessings - Audrey Hines

We just lost one of the finest executives I had the pleasure of serving with at Cox Enterprises. Booker Izell was a ranking executive in the human relations and employee development arena.

He focused largely on developing healthy working and personal relationships across racial lines. He helped create good working relationships and real friendships across the company. He did that in Dayton, Ohio first and then in Atlanta. He was a great family man and true friend of mine and all who knew him. I will miss him throughout the rest of my life.

He showed enormous courage and dedication in living with the results of a terrible stroke about a dozen years ago. My heart goes out to wife Birdie and daughter Gwen.

Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.