In 1985, Troy changed from a commission form of government to the mayor-council form of government, and Johnnie Mae Warren became the first woman elected to public office in Troy's history and the first woman elected to serve on the city council. She was honored for distinguished, dedicated, and tireless service to the citizens of Troy, Pike County, and the state, and was an early pioneer in the fight for civil rights, human rights, and equal justice. She helped ensure that all citizens had equal and fair access to voter registration and the voting booth, became a power broker in local and statewide elections, and, with the support of her husband, Deacon Ed Warren, and a coalition built with Judge Ben Reeves and Rep. Gardner Bassett, helped achieve a peaceful social and civil transition during an era of turmoil elsewhere in the country. As an advocate for the underprivileged, she worked to ensure that disadvantaged people had food, clothing, shelter, utilities, and a voice, championed equal rights for everyone, encouraged side-by-side community involvement, and as a councilwoman strongly supported city employees and their working environment. Troy's strong government was credited in part to her leadership, drive, and love for everyone.