Mrs. Mildred "Mama Dip" Edna Council

Mrs. Mildred "Mama Dip" Edna Council, age 89 of 110 Emily Rd. Chapel Hill, NC passed on Sunday, May 20, 2018 at UNC Hospitals, Chapel Hill, NC.

We are deeply saddened to share the news of the passing of Mrs. Mildred “Mama Dip” Edna Cotton Council, as she was affectionate called.  

Mrs. Mildred “Mama Dip” Edna Cotton Council was a restaurant entrepreneur, author, national treasure, mother, mentor and philanthropist in the Chapel Hill community.  

 Mrs. Mildred “Mama Dip” Edna Cotton Council  was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great grandmother, and role model for all.  In 1976, Mildred Cotton Council opened Mama Dip's Restaurant, named for the childhood nickname given to her by her siblings (her height and long arms allowed her to "dip" all the way into the bottom of the rain barrel).

Born in Chatham County to Ed and Effie Edwards Cotton, Mama Dip first learned to cook by watching her family and neighbors use the "dump cooking" method of cooking by taste.  While working as a family cook, and later at Carolina Coffee Shop and St. Andrews Hall, Mama Dip honed her craft, developing the recipes her restaurant would become so famous for.  In 1957, she worked alongside her mother-in-law at a tiny take-out kitchen, where they made a reputation for turning out some of the best country cooking in town.

Mama Dip shared her life with the Chapel Hill-Carrboro community for as long as most can remember.  She was a beacon of light that shined over our community, the under served, and students.  She will be greatly missed.

Cards and acts of kindness can be sent to 110 Emily Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27514.   In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Mama Dips Share The Love Fund c/o Triangle Community Foundation, P O Box 12729, Durham, NC 27709

Arrangements By: Knotts Funeral Home - Chapel Hill, North Carolina