Myrna Miller Wellons. Photo courtesy of the News & Observer.

The social work community has lost a hero — Myrna Miller Wellons.

Wellons, 40, who was president-elect of the board for the National Association of Social Workers North Carolina Chapter, died of a stroke on Monday. She leaves behind husband Robert Shawn Wellons and  infant son Christopher of Cary, N.C.

This article in the News & Observer described Wellons as a “North Carolina women’s rights and social welfare champion.” That description is right on.

Known by friends as “Mama Myrna,” Wellons lobbied hard for causes she cared about and worked on issues including title protection for social workers, women’s rights, child welfare, and public funding for diabetes.

She  served as director of government relations for the NASW North Carolina chapter and at the time of her death worked in corporate affairs for Lilly USA . In addition, she was vice-chair of the North Carolina Diabetes Advisory Council, a board member of the Mental Health Association of North Carolina, and mentored and trained social workers around the state.

A celebration of Wellons’ life will be held Saturday, March 6 at 1 p.m. at the White Memorial Presbyterian Church in Raleigh, N.C. Memorial gifts can also be made to the Christopher Wellons Fund, c/o Capital Community Foundation, P.O. Box. 18902, Raleigh, N.C., 27619.

SocialWorkersSpeak.org would like to extend its condolescences to Robert and Christopher Wellons and to Mrs. Wellon’s colleagues and friends.