Retired school teacher Earl James Willie, of Kannapolis, was a modest person who used to save pennies in a jar, recalled Marable church elders. So it was a bit of a surprise upon his passing in October 2016 to discover that Mr. Willie had established funds at Foundation For The Carolinas to give to the causes he and his late wife, Margaret, had supported throughout their lives.

His planned gift supports the Willies’ longtime church, Marable Memorial AME Zion, Camp Dorothy Walls Conference and Retreat Center, Livingstone College and Hood Theological Seminary, his alma mater, Hampton University, and a scholarship fund in honor of his wife, who was also a Cabarrus County school teacher.

The Earl J. and Margaret S. Willie Foundation assures their legacy of service to the community will continue for years to come.