Fannie JohnsonMERIDIAN — Fannie Johnson, the longtime executive director of L.O.V.E.’s Kitchen and a former Meridian city councilwoman, died Friday in an incident that remains under investigation, city officials confirmed.
One suspect is in custody as the Meridian Police Department investigates the circumstances surrounding Johnson’s death with assistance from state and federal law enforcement partners, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
The investigation began Friday at L.O.V.E.’s Kitchen along 18th Avenue South, where law enforcement officers and crime scene investigators responded.
Additional circumstances surrounding Johnson’s death have not been officially released.
“Our entire city is heartbroken today,” Mayor Percy Bland said in a statement. “Fannie Johnson was the absolute heart of Meridian, Mississippi. A servant leader who spent her life lifting those who needed help the most.”
Bland said Johnson’s work extended from advocating for residents at City Hall to ensuring people in need had access to food through L.O.V.E.’s Kitchen.
“Her impact was enormous, and her spirit was unbreakable,” Bland said.
Johnson served as executive director of L.O.V.E.’s Kitchen, which has provided food and assistance to Meridian residents in need for more than four decades. She also previously served on the Meridian City Council.
Assistant Police Chief Dareall Thompson said investigators have been working continuously on the case and confirmed one suspect is in custody.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Ms. Johnson’s family and everyone whose life she touched,” Thompson said. “Our investigators have worked relentlessly since the incident occurred, and we currently have one suspect in custody.”
Thompson said the investigation remains active and is being conducted alongside the ATF and other law enforcement partners.
The city did not identify the suspect or announce any charges in its Friday afternoon release. Officials also did not provide additional information about the circumstances that led to Johnson’s death.
Earlier Friday, Marion Mayor Larry Gill posted a tribute to Johnson on social media identifying her as the victim at L.O.V.E.’s Kitchen before the City of Meridian issued its official confirmation.
City officials said additional information will be released when appropriate.
This is a developing story and will be updated as additional information becomes available.
