Leila Denmark leaves legacy of caring for children

Dr. Leila Daughtry Denmark, a practicing pediatrician for 70 years who treated over 250,000 children, will be laid to rest Friday in Athens, Ga. Born February 1, 1898 in Portal, Denmark was believed to be one of the world's oldest people. She died on April Fool's Day.

The third of  twelve children born to the late Elerbee and Alice Hendricks Daughtry, Denmark completed high school at First District A and M School in Statesboro, now Georgia Southern University. After teaching high school science for two years, she enrolled in the Medical College of the University of Georgia, now the Medical College of Georgia, and received her medical degree in 1928.

She married Mr. John Eustace Denmark, moved to Atlanta,  became the first resident of the newly opened Henrietta Egleston Hospital for Children, now Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, and admitted its first patient.

After the birth of her only child, Mary, Denmark began practicing pediatrics in her home where she continued her profession until retiring at age 103. Her hobbies were going to the opera, gardening, sewing, reading, and golfing.

In 1971, Denmark published Every Child Should Have a Chance, now in its 14th printing, which gives advice on child care and the rearing of children. She objected to cigarette smoking around children, believed drinking cow's milk harmful, preferred eating fruit instead of drinking fruit juices, and recommended only drinking water. She was also the inspiration behind Madia Bowman's book, Dr. Denmark Said It!  

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Foundation, 1687 Tullie Circle, NE, Atlanta, GA 30329, or to the Medical College of Georgia Foundation, 1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA 30912. Lord & Stephens East Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

For further information about Dr. Denmark, go to her website, www.drleiladenmark.com.

Information for this obit supplied by the family.