Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens Mourns Loss of 99-Year-Old Author and Educator Phyllis Lawhorn in House Fire
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens has expressed profound sorrow following the death of 99-year-old Phyllis Lawhorn, a respected educator, historian, and author, who perished in a house fire in the Collier Heights neighborhood. Lawhorn, a long-time resident of Collier Heights, was known for her book, “Atlanta’s Collier Heights: Bending with the Wind,” which chronicled the history of the community. Mayor Dickens, who also resides in Collier Heights, described Lawhorn as “the glue that kept our little corner of Atlanta connected” and a “living connection to its remarkable history.” The fire, which occurred on a Tuesday morning, engulfed Lawhorn’s home, leading to the collapse of the second floor. Fire investigators are currently working to determine the cause of the blaze. In response to the tragedy, Atlanta Fire Rescue will conduct a winter fire safety blitz in the neighborhood, focusing on senior residents and providing guidance on smoke alarms, space heaters, and other fire safety precautions.
