Brenda Dickerson Cerrato

Brenda Dickerson Cerrato, age 67, passed away peacefully on July 7, 2014, from complications after heart surgery at The Heart Hospital Baylor Plano. She was surrounded by her loving family. Brenda is survived by her devoted husband of 43 years, Carl, from Plano, TX and their loving daughter , Andrea C. Plunkett, husband, Steve Plunkett from Frisco, TX and two grandsons, Cade Michael and Carson William - the loves of her life! Brenda was also survived by her loving mother, Frances Dickerson and sister, Carol Ann Aclin, husband Dale Aclin all from North Little Rock, AR, and sister-in-law, Carolyn Chalmers, husband Glenn Chalmers from Sherwood, AR and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, James William Dickerson in 2005. Brenda was born on April 22, 1947 in Prescott, AR and at an early age her family moved to the Little Rock area where she attend the local schools and graduated from North Little Rock High School, the Class of 65 "The Wildest Cats Alive." In 1969, she graduated from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock with a Bachelor's Degree. There she was active in a variety of honor organizations and a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. She taught English at the North Little Rock High School until 1975 when she received a Master Degree in Secondary Education Counseling. In1977 Brenda moved to the Dallas area when her husband was transferred. She spent the next several years as housewife and mother until she returned to education. Brenda worked for approximately 20 years in the Plano Independent School District as a Counselor before her retirement in 2004. She thoroughly enjoyed working with her students. Her warm and caring ways enabled her to influence and inspire many young students as they developed intellectually, physically and emotionally.
She was a member of Christ United Methodist Church in Plano and the Koinonia Sunday School Class. In addition, she enjoyed several other community organizations especially Junior League of Plano, bridge and bunko groups, and book club. The last two years she served as President and a fine leader for the Plano/Richardson Kappa Kappa Gamma Alumnae Association.
Brenda enjoyed family and friends, traveling, shopping, and a warm blanket. She loved to rock and swing and enjoyed spending time at their home on the lake. At age 65 she took up tubing and riding four-wheelers with her grandsons. Brenda will especially be remembered as a gentle Southern lady and a kind and loyal friend. She always lit up a room with her beautiful smile and elegance. Brenda would be humbled by these words but she was much more than words could ever described. She will be greatly missed by all that knew her and were graced with her presence.
A Memorial Service will be held at Christ United Methodist Church, Saturday, July 19, at 11:00 am. A reception will follow immediately after the service in Trinity Hall.
In memory of Brenda Dickerson Cerrato, the family suggests contributions be made to the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation, P.O. Box 38, Columbus, Ohio 43216-0038 or www.kappa.org/donation or a charity of your choice. All Kappa Kappa Gamma donations will be applied to The Scholarship Fund.
The family wants to thank everyone for their prayers and support. Special thanks to the doctors and staff at The Heart Hospital Baylor Plano for their help and guidance, especially Dr. Kelley Hutcheson and Dr. Mark Shalek.