Willa Dean Daniel: A Legacy of Learning and Leadership

Words by Jenny Lynn Davis | Images by Ryan McGill

If you have ever visited or enjoyed a library in the Carl Elliott Regional Library system, there is a name you should know: Willa Dean Daniel. Her life is one of inspiring leadership, service to others, and a deep love of learning.

Born in Arkansas and raised in Walker County, Willa Dean's passion for books and reading was instilled in her from an early age. Throughout her education, she was drawn to the world of literature and saw the transformative power it could have on people's lives. Her love of learning and books would become central to her career and life's work.

After graduating from Cordova High School and starting her family, Willa Dean began her collegiate studies at  Walker College before transferring to The University of Alabama. She earned a degree in Budget Management and, later, Library Science. She then taught in the Walker County school system before starting her first role in the Carl Elliott Regional Library system.

Through this role, Willa Dean made her first mark in the library system as the librarian for the Bookmobile. This mobile library served as a vital resource for the community. The Bookmobile visited homes, churches, nursing homes, and schools in areas where access to books and quality libraries was limited. On any given day, upwards of 1000 books were checked in and out of the Bookmobile, helping to instill a love of reading in countless individuals.

"So many wonderful stories came from my time with the Bookmobile. People would come with wheelbarrows to take books home, and that was a sight to see. It was so pleasant to know that these people loved reading and were expanding their worlds through books," she says.

Willa Dean's leadership skills were tested in 1974 when a tornado devastated the library. As she had just been named Library Administrator two months prior, she was charged with finding the necessary funding to rebuild. Through her tireless efforts—including fundraising, grant writing, and appearing before the state legislature—Willa Dean did just that.

Her work and dedication to the library continued throughout her career. She made many significant contributions to the library system's reputation and growth, including the landmark integration of the Frisco community library with the main library in Jasper.

Her leadership skills also extended to the world of politics, as she was the first woman to ever campaign for and be elected as chairman of the Walker County Board of Education. Willa Dean's political career was yet another testament to her unwavering commitment to enriching lives through learning and education.

"God has been so good to me throughout my life when it comes to giving me the ability to learn and serve others, and I know He wants me to use those blessings still. If we don't do what God calls us to do, then we're missing out on a full life," she says.

Today, at age 90, Willa Dean is still going strong, her love for reading and her passionate leadership skills intact. When she isn't spending time immersing herself in the worlds created by her hip-high stacks of books, she serves as the Resident Council President at Cordova Health and Rehabilitation, where she leads a team of fellow residents that assist the nursing home administration in coordinating activities and services to better serve all residents, including a library of donated books.

When she reflects on her life and career, she makes it a point to recognize that she couldn't have done any of it alone.

"Anything I've ever endeavored to do, I've had tremendous support," she says. "I had great people that I worked with in every job. Of course, my husband, Elbert, was my strongest supporter through anything I ever attempted. I have been and still am very blessed."

Willa Dean Daniel's life is one of service, leadership, and a deep commitment to learning. Her contributions to the Carl Elliott Regional Library system and to the wider community are immeasurable. Thanks to her tireless efforts, countless individuals have had access to books and the transformative power of learning. Willa Dean's legacy will continue to inspire future generations, and we can all be grateful for her impact on our community. 78