In Memoriam: Lila Mae Star (1930–2025)

COLUMBUS, Ga.- It is with deep respect and gratitude that we remember Lila Star, beloved owner and head cook of the Royal Café, who passed away on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at the age of 94.

For 55 years, she served up more than just Southern home cooking—she served love, wisdom and unshakable faith to generations of patrons, neighbors and friends.

As we honor her memory, we are proud to share this interview originally published in 2017, in which Ms. Star reflects on her journey, her community, her heartbreak and the legacy she leaves behind. Her words remain as powerful today as they were then—a testament to a life well lived, a voice unafraid to speak truth, and a woman who made Columbus a richer place simply by being in it.

Lila Star: The Star of the Story

For more than five decades, Star served the Columbus community from the kitchen of the Royal Café, a beloved local institution located at 600 11th St.

Known for its authentic Southern home cooking, the café has been praised by patrons as “the real deal.” Every dish was prepared fresh and from scratch — never frozen, always full of flavor.

Star took over the business on Aug. 12, 1964, fulfilling a dream she’d had since childhood.

“Rosa Mahone and her sister originally owned the business,” Starr said in a 2017 interview. “When they passed, Rosa’s son Frankie asked if I would take over. Ever since the age of 12, I always said I wanted to have a business of my own and a brick house. I took over the business in 1964, and I’ve owned it ever since. I have my brick house, too.”

At the time, the café had only two tables. Over the years, with faith and the support of loyal customers and community members, Star was able to expand the building and the property into the full-service restaurant that still stands today.

“I can only say that the Lord has truly blessed me with people over the years who helped me get to where we are now,” she said.

Asked to share highlights from her decades of service, Star spoke warmly of the friendships she’d built with her customers.

“I used to work at the Depot Coffee Shop, and when I started cooking at my place, my business grew because people came down just for my food,” she said. “Thousands of people from all walks of life have come through the doors. When I started, there were naysayers who said I wouldn’t make it, but I guess I get the last laugh — because I’m still here, and they’re not.”

But not all the memories were joyful. When asked about her greatest challenges, Star’s voice grew quiet as she recalled the deaths of her daughter, Sarah L. Porter, in 2014, and her granddaughter, Kim Porter, in 2018.

As the first anniversary of Kim’s death approached at the time of the interview, Star admitted the grief was still heavy on her heart. Telling her story, she hoped, might offer some peace — and maybe allow her to rest a little easier.

Lila Starr and the Royal Café: A Timeline

• 1930 – Lila Starr is born.
• Circa 1942 – At age 12, Star dreams of owning her own business and a brick home.
• Early 1960s – Star works at the Depot Coffee Shop in Columbus.
• Aug. 12, 1964 – Star officially takes over ownership of the Royal Café at 600 11th St., starting with just two tables.
• 1970s–1990s – The café becomes a beloved local institution; Starr expands the property.
• 2014 – Star’s daughter, Sarah L. Porter, passes away on April 25.
• 2018 – Starr’s granddaughter, Kim Porter, dies on Nov. 15.
• 2017 – Star gives a rare and emotional interview to the Courier Eco Latino newspaper reflecting on her life and legacy.
• 2025 – Lila Starr passes away on April 2 at the age of 94.