Statement on Passing of Ms. Phyllis Lawhorn
Mayor Andre Dickens issued the following statement on the passing of Ms. Phyllis Lawhorn
“The loss of Ms. Phyllis Lawhorn is heartbreaking, not only for her family, but for our entire Collier Heights community. At 99 years old, she was one of our neighborhood’s original homeowners and a living connection to its remarkable history. At a time when segregation denied Black families opportunities elsewhere, Collier Heights was built by Black people for Black people, and Ms. Lawhorn dedicated much of her life to preserving and sharing that history.
“A former Clark Atlanta University professor, author and beloved neighbor, she was the glue that kept our little corner of Atlanta connected. Her home was just around the corner from mine, and I would often pass by while walking my dog. She took great pride in having a mayor (Keisha Lance Bottoms and myself) from her own neighborhood, and that is something I will always cherish.
“I have spoken with her daughter-in-law to offer my deepest condolences, and my heart is with her entire family. As our community mourns, Atlanta Fire Rescue will conduct its winter fire safety blitz in the neighborhood, checking on senior residents and providing guidance on smoke alarms, space heaters and other fire safety precautions.
“Ms. Lawhorn spent a lifetime looking out for this community, and we owe it to her memory to continue looking out for one another.”
