Lilly H Harold

Mrs. Lilly H. Harold, 70, a resident of Montgomery, Alabama and formerly of Luverne, passed away peacefully at Princeton Medical Center in Birmingham on Tuesday, April 28, 2020.

Mrs. Harold displayed her courage and strength from an early age, having survived a bout of polio that would require her to use a wheelchair for the rest of her life. Despite her health troubles, Mrs. Harold was the first person to graduate from Luverne High School while receiving all of her instruction either by phone or at home. She would later go on to graduate cum laude from Troy State University and earned her Master’s in Rehabilitation Services from the University of Alabama in Birmingham. After graduation, she was the first employee hired by the State of Alabama for their new Independent Living Service, and later went to work for the state’s Client Assistance Program (SACAP) until her retirement.

Mrs. Harold was a lifelong advocate for those with disabilities. In fact, she would develop friendship with Governor George Wallace which would come to influence his advocacy for the disabled. She was crowned Miss Wheelchair Alabama in 1984 and went on to be the 4th runner-up for Miss Wheelchair USA. She also served on the Board of Directors for Easter Seals and as the first president of the Dura Medical Board of Alabama. After retirement, Mrs. Harold became a published author. Her first book was her stirring autobiography, Memories to Cling, and her next book was a children’s fantasy story, Ayden Land, which featured characters named after her grandchildren. Above all, she was a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, and her loss has left the world a slightly lesser place, especially for her family and all those who loved her. All of those who have faced a disability during their lifetime in Alabama owe her a debt that can never be repaid.

Mrs. Harold was preceded in death by her parents, Lynn Franklin & Ida Mae Armstrong Ledbetter, and her four brothers, Alton Ledbetter, Charles Ledbetter, Marvin Ledbetter, and Larry Ledbetter. She is survived by her loving husband of 24 years, Jerry R. Harold; four children, Douglas Lynn (Kaylyn) Harold, Trevor Seprell, Jason Harold, and Jennifer Harold; six grandchildren, Ayden Harold, Molly Moore, Payton Harold, Camden Harold, Raeygen Harold, and Luke Thomas McNelly; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family requests any memorial donations be made to Yarborough Street Baptist Church, 1701 Yarborough Street, Montgomery, Alabama 36109.