2026 SESSION
ENROLLED
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 231
Celebrating the life of Ola Parker Willoughby.
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 9, 2026
WHEREAS, Ola Parker Willoughby, a distinguished civilian employee of the United States Marine Corps, devoted wife and mother, and active and beloved member of the Arlington County community, died on February 9, 2026; and
WHEREAS, after graduating from Gary District High School in Gary, West Virginia, in 1938, Ola Willoughby studied at Morristown College and later transferred to and graduated from Bennett College; and
WHEREAS, Ola Willoughby briefly taught at Gary District High School before relocating to Arlington, where she took a civilian position with the United States Marine Corps (USMC); and
WHEREAS, Ola Willoughby went on to devote 30 years to the country through her service with the USMC, retiring in 1976 as deputy director of the Decorations and Medals Division; and
WHEREAS, during her career, Ola Willoughby was notably the first African American to serve as an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) officer for the USMC, a role in which she helped implement EEO initiatives and policies and assisted African Americans in obtaining positions and promotions within the USMC; and
WHEREAS, Ola Willoughby gave generously of her time for the benefit of her community over the years, including by reactivating the Penrose Neighborhood Association and by spearheading the construction of a home for physically challenged individuals in her neighborhood; and