Mimi Milner Elrod, beloved mother, grandmother and dedicated public servant, passed away on March 25, 2025, at the age of 81. 

She was born in Atlanta, Ga., on Jan. 30, 1944, to Benjamin Charles Milner and Eleanor O’Beirne Milner.  Mimi was the youngest of five children and her early life was marked by an environment of love, community and learning.

Mimi married John William Elrod, the love of her life, in 1963. They enjoyed 38 wonderful years together prior to his death in 2001.  They shared a deep commitment to education and community which spanned their time together.

Mimi earned her bachelor of science from Oglethorpe University in 1966, and began her career in education teaching junior high school in Harlem, New York, that same year while John was in graduate school. In 1971 Mimi moved to Ames, Iowa, where John taught philosophy and Mimi furthered her education, attaining a master’s degree (1977) and a doctorate (1980) in early childhood development. In 1984, Mimi and John moved to Lexington.

Mimi’s career in Lexington began at Washington and Lee University, where she served as assistant director of admissions, then in the Office of Special Programs. In 1991, she became the director of the Summer Scholars Program, a position she held until her retirement.  Mimi and John considered their lives an equal partnership and Mimi dedicated considerable time supporting John in his roles as dean of the college, vice president for academic affairs and president of the university.

Mimi’s commitment to her community included service on numerous nonprofit boards, serving as an elder at Lexington Presbyterian Church, and a gubernatorial appointment to the State Council for Higher Education in Virginia.

Upon her retirement from W&L, Mimi embarked on a second career in politics.  In 2002, she ran for an open seat in the House of Delegates. While unsuccessful, Mimi was not deterred and applied her energy to local politics, gaining an appointment to complete an unfinished term on Lexington’s City Council in 2003. Recognizing her deep dedication to the city, voters elected her to a full term in 2006. In 2008, she made history as the first female mayor of Lexington, a position she held until 2016.  As mayor, she championed infrastructure improvements, education initiatives including the renovation of Waddell Elementary School, and the economic revitalization of the historic downtown. She was instrumental in passing the 2011 Flag Ordinance.

Mimi is survived by her sons, Adam Elrod and Joshua Elrod (Francile), and her grandchildren Emmett Nocton, Madeleine Nocton, Adam Sloan Elrod, John Elrod and Sierra Elrod.

A funeral service will be held at 11 am on June 7, 2025, at Lexington Presbyterian Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to local organizations that protect vulnerable people, support early childhood education, and promote social justice.

Arrangements are by Harrison Funeral Home and Crematory.