By WRAL staff

The Town of Wilson's Mills shared the news Sunday that its longtime mayor has died.

Mayor Fleta Byrd has been involved with the town since it was incorporated in 1996, according to a post on the town's Facebook page, which read in part:

"She has been a steadfast part of our community and has dedicated nearly 30 years of her life to serving the town she loved. From our very beginning, through the many changes and milestones that have shaped Wilson’s Mills, she was there - serving, leading, and caring deeply about the people who call this community home."

The town said the mayor's death comes right before its Founders Day celebration, which will mark Wilson's Mills' 30th anniversary.

"She had been looking forward to celebrating this milestone with our community and honoring the history and people who built our town," the post reads. "Sadly, she will not be here to celebrate it with us. But she will be there in the story we tell, the history we honor, and the community she helped build."

According to community members, Byrd was passionate about helping her community. She was integral to the opening of the Johnston County Women's Hope Center and led weekly bible studies.

"As we gather next weekend to celebrate 30 years of Wilson’s Mills, we will do so with heavy hearts and grateful hearts - grateful for her years of service, her dedication, and the lasting mark she leaves on this town," the post about her death read. "Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, loved ones, fellow council members, friends, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside her."

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