Lillian Webb, Groundbreaking Gwinnett Politician, Dead at 87

NORCROSS, GA — Lillian Webb, a groundbreaking politician in Norcross and Gwinnett County at large, died Thursday morning, according to city officials. She was 87.

A lifelong resident of Norcross, Webb became the first woman elected to city council, as well as the first Republican, in 1972.

She would go on to be elected mayor in 1974 and serve in that office until successfully running for Gwinnett County Commission in 1984.

After two four-year terms on the commission, during which she served as chairman and helped guide the county during the early days of what would become its massive growth, she returned to the job of Norcross mayor.

"Miss Lillian," as she was commonly known, served 11 terms, overall, at the city's helm.

She is credited with, among other things, working to preserve the city's historic downtown, including its old train depot.

Lillian Webb Park, in the heart of downtown Norcross, is named in her honor.

Webb's obituary says she died after a brief illness.

The family will receive friends on Friday, September 16, from 5-8 p.m. at Crowell Brothers Funeral Homes in Peachtree Corners. A funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at Norcross United Methodist Church, 2500 Beaver Ruin Rd., followed by internment at a family plot at H.G. Wright Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the charity of one’s choice.