BROOKFIELD, Wis. — A pioneering civil rights activist who helped establish the Waukesha County NAACP and broke racial barriers throughout her career has died. Lillie Bell Wilson passed away at 88-years-old.

She was one of the founders of the Waukesha County NAACP and led that chapter while also serving on state and national boards. At the time of her passing, she was serving as President Emeritus for the county chapter.

"She loved the ideal of diversity and making a round inclusive space for any and everyone to be loved, to be heard, to be acknowledged," said Montre` Moore, vice president of the Waukesha County NAACP and Wilson's longtime friend.

Wilson, who went by "Bell" to family and close friends, was born in Mississippi but grew up in Beloit. After graduating from college, she came

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