Willie Headley Service Awards
Nine years ago the Black Mountain Beautification Committee wanted to honor one of the committee’s founding members and thus created the Willie Headley Service Award. Headley’s ancestors — the Kerlees — were early pioneers in the Valley and Willie grew up in the community...
Kate Ramsey winner of 2021 Award
When Willie and her husband Bob retired in Black Mountain, Willie hit the ground running, playing an instrumental role in making the Town Square what it is today. She worked with the women at the Swannanoa Correctional Center for Women, helped to rehab their greenhouses and began a program for the women of the Center that continues to t
When Willie and her husband Bob retired in Black Mountain, Willie hit the ground running, playing an instrumental role in making the Town Square what it is today. She worked with the women at the Swannanoa Correctional Center for Women, helped to rehab their greenhouses and began a program for the women of the Center that continues to this day. It has been said that if Willie wanted to get something done, no one told her no. She envisioned what she wanted for the town, and made sure that it happened.
Unfortunately, Willie passed away before seeing the Town Square come to fruition, but her drive, determination and vision had an impact on everyone in the town, whether they were fortunate enough to have met her in person or not.
The Willie Headley Service Award 2021, named in honor of the visionary, was presented to Kate Ramsey on August 24 at Lake Tomahawk. The Black Mountain Beautification Committee selected Kate for this year’s award based on her unwavering dedication to both the committee, the town and her help carrying on Willie’s vision.
Kate joined the co
The Willie Headley Service Award 2021, named in honor of the visionary, was presented to Kate Ramsey on August 24 at Lake Tomahawk. The Black Mountain Beautification Committee selected Kate for this year’s award based on her unwavering dedication to both the committee, the town and her help carrying on Willie’s vision.
Kate joined the committee in 2014 and has had a huge impact in many ways. She has been a co-chair, garden site owner, works in Town Square, and so much more.