Residents of Atmore and the surrounding area were saddened to learn of the Tuesday, Aug. 12, death of community leader Lillie Johnson, who reportedly suffered a fatal heart attack at her home.

Her funeral service was conducted at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 16, at Greater Mount Triumph Baptist Church, where Johnson was also a leader, with Pastor Willie Hawthorne officiating.

Interment followed in Stallworth Cemetery. Mayberry Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Johnson was the founder and driving force behind the Yellow Hats Society, a non-profit group dedicated to betterment of the community, and the eventual formation of a Yellow Hats Lions Club chapter.

She was named Citizen of Year by Atmore Area Chamber of Commerce in 2014 due to her positive impact on the community, and that same year was presented with a Trailblazer Award from Empowerment Tabernacle Christian Center for her civic and educational initiatives.

Photo: Bub Gideons presents Lillie Johnson with the charter signifying that the Yellow Hats Society had become a chapter of Atmore Lions Club.