Josie Lillo receives Key to the City

By Keri Baldwin

At her retirement party in September, Josie Lillo was given a Key to the City. The party was held at none other than Lillo’s Family Restaurant, where Lillo worked for over sixty years. Locals say they cannot remember a time that they visited the restaurant and Josie Lillo was not there. Community members say that, although she will be greatly missed, they are positive that Lillo’s Family Restaurant, which has not only served the Delta for seventy-seven years but is also said to be the first Italian restaurant in Mississippi, will continue to make her proud.

Photo gallery captions: (click on image for fullview)

Photo 1: Josie Lillo with her Key to the City.

Photo 2: Josie Lillo receiving her Key to the City from Mayor Kenny Thomas.

Photo 3: Josie Lillo with her daughter and son-in-law, Wesley and Debbie Keen.

Photo 4: Josie Lillo surrounded by her family