Collier Heights fire kills educator, 99

A 99-year-old woman has died in a fire at her home in Collier Heights in northwest Atlanta. Good evening. Thanks for joining us here for Fox 5 News at 5. I'm Tom Haynes. I'm Courtney Bryan. Neighbors say she was a longtime educator and a pioneer who had recently finished a book on the neighborhood's history. Fox 5's Ray Urena is live along Larchmont Court with more. Ray? Courtney, just talking to neighbors, you can tell that this is a tough loss, judging by the way that they spoke of the woman who lived at this home. And just down below the hill and through the trees, you can see what is left of that longtime home. This is a monumental loss to our community. The Collier Heights neighborhood is mourning the loss of a pioneer. Her family has identified the 99-year-old woman who died in a house fire along Larchmont Court Northwest as Phyllis Lawhorn. When I came and saw that it was her house, I was just devastated. This lady was incredible. Firefighters got the call at about 5.30 a.m. Tuesday and arrived to see heavy flames. Drone video captured the extent of the damage left over after they were put out. We have a lot of critical factors here, possibly gas fed, the construction of the house, making this very difficult. Firefighters found Lawhorn, who used a wheelchair near the carport on the first floor. Also are suspecting that the fire started at the lower level. Throughout her 80s and 90s, neighbors say Lawhorn wrote a book. chronicling the history of Collier Heights on the west side of Atlanta. At a book signing last year, Councilmember Michael Bond presented her with a proclamation honoring her lifelong work. Ms. Phillips was very smart, intelligent. Um, She worked with students. She was somebody that always inspired people. Council Member Bond also says Lawhorn was one of the black teachers chosen to integrate the all-white North Fulton High School in Buckhead. She then went on to be an English professor at Clark Atlanta University for 27 years. For her being here the number of years that she was, we will continue to uphold the rich history of this community. At this hour, firefighters are working to learn more about the cause of the fire, but they do not believe it. It is suspicious reporting live in Collier Heights in northwest Atlanta. Ray Urena, Fox 5 News. Alright Ray, thanks.