VA HR231

Honors Ola Parker Willoughby, who died on February 9, 2026, after a distinguished career as a civilian employee of the United States Marine Corps spanning 30 years until her 1976 retirement as deputy director of the Decorations and Medals Division.

Recognizes her as the first African American to serve as an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) officer for the USMC, where she helped implement EEO initiatives and assisted African Americans in obtaining positions and promotions.

Acknowledges her service as the first African American chair of the Arlington County Civil Service Commission (1978-1986) and her community leadership including reactivating the Penrose Neighborhood Association.

Notes her lifelong civic engagement with organizations including the Arlington County Retirement Board, Northern Virginia Urban League, United Way, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, as well as 78 years of membership at Mount Zion Baptist Church in Arlington.

Directs the Clerk of the House of Delegates to present a copy of the resolution to her surviving family.