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Carol Lee’s Legacy: Resolve and Passion
Carol Lee’s Legacy: Resolve and Passion
By Dulany Morison
arol Lee was an important part of my life, and I feel blessed for the time we had together. She was a leader and a visionary, who put her heart and soul into everything she believed in.
She spoke her mind and was a force of nature, a force for good. When she committed to something, she always delivered. She touched a vast range of people through her extensive community service, highly regarded catering, and historical research. Her work advocating for Willisville was nothing short of amazing. Carol was recognized as the village mayor for decades and played a principal role in convincing Loudoun County to install a running water and sewage treatment facility for Willisville over 20 years ago.
When my journey began with her in 2016, and I learned everything she wanted to do for the village, I was astounded by her aspirations. And over the last eight years, I watched her record success after success:
• Founding the Willisville Preservation Foundation
• Hosting two standing-room only gospel concert fundraisers
• Getting Willisville listed on the Virginia Register and National Register of Historic Places
• Installing an official historic road marker on Route 50 honoring Willisville and its history
• Participating in several traveling Willisville exhibitions
• Installing new village signs on either side of Willisville to welcome visitors and residents
• Writing and publishing A Path Through Willisville, a comprehensive book on the history of the village and the families who lived there
She accomplished all of this despite incredible health challenges that would have sidelined most of us. But she pushed through the hard moments, never complaining and keeping her focus on the next step forward.
Whenever I encouraged her to take a break or asked if she was reaching too high, she always brushed me aside and said, “We have work to do.” She was one of the hardest workers and toughest ladies I have ever known. She was an inspiration.
After a book signing in October, I knew things had changed. Carol pulled me aside at the end of the evening and had a different tone in her voice.
“Dulany, I am tired,” she said, words I’d never heard her say before.
“Carol just get some rest and you will be your old self in a few days,” I told her. “You always bounce back.”
With no change in expression, she said again, “Dulany, I am tired.”
When I saw her in her final days, my message was simple. I assured her everything was going to be okay and not to worry. That it was all right to let herself finally get some well-deserved rest. That she should be proud of her incredible achievements. That her legacy of leadership would stand alone in the history of our community and that we would celebrate her life and contributions for generations to come.
Her beautiful celebration of life in December was the first tribute to her amazing legacy and it brought to life the wide reach of her impact.
Carol used to tell me that I was her teacher. In reality, she was my teacher. She taught the value of making a difference, speaking your mind, and following your heart. The importance of resolve and passion. To stand by your beliefs and lead by example. To turn words into action. She lived by these principles to the very end, and I will remember them forever.
Though I miss her terribly and my drives through Willisville will never be the same, I am comforted to know she is no longer in pain and free from worry. That she has her energy again and is high above making a whole new round of to-do lists.
On behalf of all of us, Carol, thank you for everything. Thank you for being true to yourself to the very end. Thank you for bringing us along for the ride. We love you and we miss you and we will see you when God calls.
