By Julianna Stephenson
Mimi Milner Elrod, the first woman to serve as Lexington’s mayor, passed away March 25 at 81 years old.
She was the former first lady at Washington and Lee University and associate director of Special Programs. Elrod worked at the university for 22 years until retiring in 2009.
Elrod was appointed to complete an unfinished term on Lexington City Council in 2003 and was elected to a full term in 2006. She made history as the first female mayor of Lexington in 2008 and served for eight years.
A Washington and Lee University release said that Elrod, as mayor, advocated for infrastructure improvements, education initiatives and the economic revitalization of downtown. She was instrumental in the building of the new Waddell Elementary School and the passing of the 2011 Flag Ordinance.
But she wasn’t just involved in the local politics. Elrod worked hard to serve the community through her volunteering efforts.
She was part of the Rockbridge Mental Health Association, the Rockbridge Area Community Services, Project Horizon, the Free Clinic, the Arc and the Women in Technology program for local schools. She was an elder at Lexington Presbyterian Church and an appointee to the State Council for Higher Education.
Elrod always prioritized education. She was born on Jan. 30, 1944, in Atlanta as the youngest of five. She loved her community and learning. She earned her degree from Oglethorpe University in 1966.
Following graduation, she began teaching junior high school in Harlem, New York. Elrod and her husband, John, moved to Iowa where she gained a master’s degree in 1977 and a doctorate in 1980 in early childhood development.
In 1984, the two moved to Lexington when John Elrod became dean of the college. Over her 22 years working for W&L, Mimi Elrod worked in the Office of Admissions, the Office of Special Programs and became the director of Summer Scholars.
John Elrod was named the 22nd president of W&L in 1995. Just six years later, John Elrod passed away after a long battle with cancer.
According to a release from university President Will Dudley, Mimi Elrod was known for inviting students over to the Lee House and hosting faculty members for coffee. From nonprofit involvement to her political and educational careers, Mimi Elrod served her community in everything she did.
Her funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on June 7 at Lexington Presbyterian Church. A celebration of life will be held at 5 p.m. on June 7 at 204 Woods Edge Drive in Lexington. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to local organizations that protect vulnerable people, support early childhood education and promote social justice.