GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP) — The City of Greensboro will honor the life of longtime Greensboro politician Yvonne Johnson by lowering flags and illuminating a local parking deck.
Johnson died on Wednesday morning at 82, surrounded by her family. In a statement, her family said they were proud of her for everything she accomplished.
The city announced that flags would be lowered to half-staff on Friday. The city will also illuminate the Greene Street Parking Deck in purple, “commemorating the city’s recognition of Ms. Johnson’s lasting legacy and significant contributions to the Gate City,” according to a news release.
Johnson was currently serving as an at-large member and mayor pro-tem of the Greensboro City Council with her term expiring in 2025. She had been in that seat since 2011.
She served in the Greensboro City Council as a member from 1993 to 2007 before becoming the first person of color to be elected mayor of Greensboro. She was mayor from 2007 to 2009.