Legendary Locals of Willingboro

Book excerpt: Founded by associates of William Penn, Willingboro has been a vibrant community for more than 300 years. As it evolved from fertile farmland to the finest example of post-World War II suburban planning and hailed by the Westinghouse Corporation as the "picture of everyday American life," Willingboro has cultivated individuals whose innovations, athleticism, musical talents, and service have transcended the township's seven square miles, from civil rights activist Willie James to Olympian Carl Lewis to music producer Adam Blackstone to Pulitzer Prize winner Jeff Gammage. Just as important are the civic leaders, volunteers, teachers, physicians, and citizens who form the soul of Willingboro, like Lizzie Morris, the town matriarch who for decades delivered home-cooked meals to emergency personnel and the needy; Kelly Logan, a former football player who turned the tragic shooting death of his teenage daughter into an antiviolence campaign; and AnnMarie Stephenson, a candy striper who returned home to practice medicine in Willingboro. This book celebrates these legendary locals.