Greensboro, N.C. — A significant figure in Greensboro’s political landscape has passed away. Yvonne Johnson, who made history as the first Black mayor of North Carolina’s third largest city, died on Wednesday at the age of 82. Mayor Nancy Vaughan shared the news in a statement, calling Johnson “one of its champions.” While the cause of her death has not been disclosed, Vaughan had mentioned that Johnson was absent from a council meeting earlier in the week due to illness.

Johnson dedicated close to three decades to public service on the Greensboro City Council. She initially served from 1993 until 2009, the last two years of which she held the mayoral position after winning the election in 2007. Although she lost her reelection bid in 2009, she returned to the council in 2011, continuing to serve the community until her passing.

Governor Roy Cooper expressed his condolences, emphasizing Johnson’s commitment to the city. He referred to her as a “dedicated public servant and friend” and highlighted her courageous leadership, noting the positive changes she facilitated during her career. He shared his gratitude for her efforts on social media.

Throughout her life, Johnson was actively engaged in civil rights initiatives. In a 2023 conversation with a North Carolina League of Municipalities publication, she spoke about her participation in the 1963 March on Washington, as well as her involvement in the sit-in movement while attending Bennett College in Greensboro. Johnson reflected on the inequalities she faced growing up, mentioning that it wasn’t until her experiences at Bennett that she felt inspired to advocate for change.

For decades, Johnson led the nonprofit organization One Step Further, which offers food assistance, mediation, and other vital services, from its establishment in 1982 until earlier this year. A statement from the organization underscored her commitment to community welfare.

Her daughter, Lisa Johnson-Tonkins, who serves as the Guilford County Clerk of Superior Court, shared sentiments about her mother’s legacy. She described Johnson as a role model not only for her four children but also for her seven grandchildren, emphasizing her belief that “service is the rent you pay for your time on earth.” In light of her contributions, Johnson-Tonkins remarked, “Mom’s rent has been paid up.”

Funeral arrangements are still in the process of being finalized.