Larimer activist Ora Lee Carroll dies

Created on Wednesday, 30 January 2013 09:28 Last Updated on Wednesday, 30 January 2013 09:28 Published on Wednesday, 30 January 2013 09:28 Written by Christian Morrow - Courier Staff Writer Hits: 1116

“She was not going to be ignored. Whether you agreed with her or not, no one could question her dedication to the task of rebuilding Larimer,” he said. “She stood firm when it would have been easy to walk away. If there is anything people should take from her example, it is that.”
Her neighbor and best friend for more than 40 years, Betty Lane said Carroll was a visionary.
“She was a friend, a sister, a confidant and a mentor. She helped in other communities but she dedicated her work and life to the Larimer community,” she said. “I am very glad to have known her and proud to have her acknowledge me as the sister I never had. I miss her but her legacy lives on.”
Carroll is survived by a sister Eloise Matthews of Maryland and five daughters; Eloise Carroll, Fontia Bottoms of Homewood, Delphia Jackson of East Hills, Wanda Lee West of Norfolk, Theresa Carroll of Wilkinsburg and Wesley S. Carroll of Pittsburgh. One daughter, Hope Carroll, preceded her in death, leaving a son, also named Wesley, whom Ora Lee raised. Carroll is also survived by five grandsons and 19 granddaughters.
Funeral arrangements were made by Metropolitan Funeral Home of Norfolk. Though a memorial service is planned for Pittsburgh, those arrangements have not been finalized.