LA GRANGE, Ga. — The community gathered on Wednesday to bid farewell to its esteemed leader, Mayor Willie T. Edmondson.
A procession began at 10:30 a.m., asking community members to line the streets of LaGrange and West Point, where a multitude of City vehicles were stationed along the route.
The funeral, held at Bethlehem Baptist Church in West Point, was live-streamed on its Facebook Page.
The church was filled as mourners lined up to bid farewell to a man who touched countless lives. Law enforcement, city officials, and fellow faith leaders joined the congregation in honoring Edmondson's memory.
Tears mingled with laughter as attendees remembered Dr. Edmondson's impact, both big and small.
"He helped me and my family, and he just helped a whole lot of folks," one mourner shared. "And he just, he, you know, he did the thing that the Lord required for him to do."
Rewatch the service below
Even after the service concluded, a crowd lingered outside the church, unwilling to let go of the opportunity to honor Dr. Edmondson's memory. His ability to bring people together was evident in the stories shared by those who knew him best.
The city announced his passing on February 16. He was elected in 2023 and became the first Black mayor of the city.
A steadfast commitment to the betterment of LaGrange marked Edmondson's tenure. Under his guidance, initiatives were launched to combat crime, foster economic growth, and enhance the quality of life for all residents.
Prior to assuming the mayoral office, Edmondson served as a councilman for an impressive 24 years, during which he played an instrumental role in bringing transformative projects such as the Great Wolf Lodge and The Thread Trail to fruition.