Former Ludowici mayor and councilwoman Myrtice Warren died just before noon Jan. 27 at the Golden Living Center in Jesup, where she resided, after an extended illness.

She was 88.

Warren retired from public service Dec. 31, 2011, after serving as Ludowici’s mayor and member of the City Council for 29 years.

She also was a member of Ludowici United Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday school, and was a bus driver for the Long County School System.

Several people who knew Warren spoke of her service to the community and their personal relationship with her.

Local business owner and former Long County Chamber of Commerce President Kadee Dasher said that although Warren did a lot to support local businesses, she thinks about her interaction with children.

“I saw her a lot at the elementary schools, supporting events like the Trunk-or-Treat,” Dasher said. “She always loved being around the kids, and they all loved her back. She was a good role model, and I really enjoyed her company.”

Long County Board of Education Chairwoman Janet Watford spoke highly of Warren. Watford also highlighted Warren’s love for kids.

“I knew Myrtice as both a friend and as a bus driver, from when I was the superintendent,” Watford said. “Myrtice loved the kids and loved driving a bus. You don’t find many bus drivers who love their job like she did. I also knew her and her family my whole life. She did a lot for people that nobody ever even knew about. I really thought the world of her.”

Current Ludowici Mayor James Fuller said he worked with Warren for most of her time as a public servant. He said one of her strengths was her ability to lead people in working out their differences.

“Myrtice was a good friend,” Fuller said. “I worked with her for 25 years, partly as the police chief and then as head over the Water Department. As a mayor, she was fair to everyone and tried to always be a peacemaker. Everyone liked her, and nobody ever said anything bad about Myrtice.”

Former Long County commissioner Bobby Walker worked with Warren on several different projects and only had praise for her.

“What can you really say about Ms. Myrtice Warren, that most who knew her have not already heard?” Walker said. “She would meet you with a hug, and she never was one to say or feel, ‘You’re only as good as the last thing you did for me.’ … Just an all-around great lady who will be dearly missed.”

Ludowici Police Chief Robert Poppell said that what he remembers most about Warren was that she always had a smile on face.

“Her Honor served the city of Ludowici for 29 years, first as a council member and later as mayor,” Poppell said. “Ms. Myrtice was also a retired school bus driver with the Long County Board of Education and a strong advocate for senior citizens. We appreciate her service to our community and mourn her passing. She will be greatly missed by all the people she touched with her warm heart and grand smile.”

She is survived by one brother, Bert Warren of Jesup.

Warren was predeceased by her parents, L.B. and Laura Bell Warren; sister and brother-in-law, Willa Brown; and brothers and sister-in-law, James Warren and L. B. Warren, Jr.

Warren’s funeral service was held on Saturday at Ludowici United Methodist. The Revs. Jim Burgess and Neil Brown officiated. She was laid to rest at Baggs Cemetery immediately after the service.