RALEIGH, (SGRToday.com) - Forsyth County and state officials are mourning the death of former state Sen. Earline Parmon of Forsyth County. She was the county's first African-American senator, serving from 2012 to 2015.

Parmon had served in the N.C. House of Representatives for a decade prior to her Senate service.

 “She was a determined champion for the disadvantaged and her passing is a loss for every citizen of this state. Ann and I are praying for her family and friends," said Gov. Pat McCrory in a statement.