Breaking News: Former Flint Mayor Woodrow Stanley Dies at Age 71
Former Flint Mayor Woodrow Stanley has died.
According to reports, Stanley's family announced his passing on Wednesday, February 16, via email. It's believed he passed away at Hurley Hospital on Tuesday, February 15.
Woodrow Stanley, Flint's first African-American mayor, was elected to the city's top office in 1991. Prior to that, he had served on the Flint City Council beginning in 1983. Stanley went on to be elected mayor two more times before he was recalled from office in 2002.
Stanley went on to continue to serve the community and the state of Michigan. He served on the Genesee County Board of Commissioners, and then in the Michigan House of Representatives starting in 2009, to which he served a term of six years.
In a statement to ABC-12, Congressman Dan Kildee said,
“Throughout his time in elected office, Woodrow was a passionate public servant and a mentor for young people throughout our community. He will be missed by Flint and our community."
City Council President Eric Mays commented on Stanley's passing saying to Mlive,
“I’ve got a special place in my heart for him ...,” Mays said. “He’s going to be sadly missed", Mays said. "In the Black community, I think he’ll be remembered as a strong Black mayor,” he said. “I don’t think he ever minced his words.”
At this time there is no word on funeral or memorial arrangements. We will update the story as it develops.