By Mark Woolsey
State emergency management officials say the woman who drowned in last week’s flooding in Northwest Georgia was a former Cobb County sheriff’s deputy.
The Murray County Coroner’s office identified the victim as Julie Ann Barrs, 56, who lived in rural Ellijay. She was found dead after being swept away by floodwaters along a Murray County road. State officials say it happened Nov. 5 as persistent rain unleashed flooding in several counties, triggering evacuations and numerous water rescues.
Her obituary says not only did Barrs serve as a Cobb County sheriff’s deputy, she was also the first female member of the county’s SWAT team. She also worked with federal officials on human trafficking cases while in Cobb.
Relatives say a celebration of her life will be held at a later date.