By By Adam Prestridge
Atmore residents mourned the loss of a beloved citizen Monday.
Joyce Lassitter, 71, of Atmore was killed after the car she was driving was struck by an oncoming vehicle as she exited a service station parking lot in Stapleton around 5:27 p.m. Sunday afternoon, according to an Alabama State Troopers Office spokesperson. Lassitter was driving a 2003 Cadillac and was attempting to go north on Alabama 59 at the time of the accident.
According to troopers, she crossed the southbound lanes and was struck by a 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe driven by Tuyen Kim Le Collins, 33, of Robertsdale.
The news of Lassitter's death, who was the wife of Atmore code enforcement officer Milford Lassiter shocked City of Atmore employees.
"Over the years it seems everyone is more like family than just co-workers," Atmore mayor Howard Shell said. "Joyce has been a part of a lot of dinners that we have enjoyed at city hall, and at Christmas time and other times of the year we would get together she would drop by. She always had a smile on her face regardless of her health or anything else. She has always tried to make other people feel good."
According to troopers, Collins and her passenger, Jared Collins, 29, were injured in the accident and transported to Thomas Hospital in Fairhope for treatment. No updates on their condition were available at press time.
Alcohol is not believed to be a factor in the accident and no charges have been filed as a result.
Lassitter will be laid to rest today in McCullough Cemetery following a 2 p.m. funeral service at Atmore Memorial Chapel.
Lassiter was a member of First Assembly of God Church in Atmore and a member of the McCullough Friendship Club. She also leaves behind one daughter, Vickie (Steve) Clyburn of Loxley, one grandchild, Alece Hadley and three great grandchildren.
See complete obituary on page 5A.