2025 Lifetime Champion of Justice Awardee: Willette Crews

Willette Marlene Crews is a paralegal at Legal Aid of North Carolina, but her legacy encompasses so much more. She’s a community educator, a connector, a tireless advocate, and a leader whose work has empowered thousands across the state. From launching veteran legal services to running statewide tax prep clinics for low-income families, Willette has always met people where they are — with compassion, integrity, and purpose. She has spent 49 years making sure Legal Aid is led by and for the clients they serve.

Willette is a proud native of Durham NC. Born to loving parents, she was one of the first Black children to integrate white schools in Durham when she attended sixth grade at Hope Valley School. She continued her education in Durham until she was selected to attend Margaret Hall School in Versailles, Kentucky. She attended Duke University for two years. Willette returned to college later in life and graduated from NC Wesleyan College.

Willette first encountered Legal Aid in her early twenties when she sought their help with her first apartment — a shotgun house on South Street. Attorney Adrienne Fox assisted her in an uncanny foreshadowing of her future. Willette was subsequently hired as the receptionist by Legal Aid — beginning five decades of dedicated and innovative service as an advocate for disenfranchised members of the communities across the state.  

Willette is committed to bettering the lives of families and young people. She served as Girls Basketball Commissioner of the South Durham Youth Athletic League for over a decade. She has been a high jump coach and meet official with the Durham Striders Track Club for over thirty years. Willette has one remarkable daughter and three extraordinary grandchildren. She is a member of St. Titus Episcopal Church in Durham.