Caught doing good! Wilma Louise Evans Fuller

Family cook-out time: Grandson Demauri, Grandson Mossiah, Wilma, Son Michael and Michelle.{Contributed Photos}

“Caught Doing Good is an idea adapted from local educators. The concept involves sharing a quick note about local folks caught in the act – of doing great! It could be something BIG – or small – but it will always be something good.”

Meet Wilma Louise Evans Fuller, born to the late Fairbanks Evans and Doretha Savannah "Van" Davis Evans in the old Lexington Memorial Hospital. Wilma’s father was the first homeowner on Smith Street, though the name has changed and is known as Bristol Street in Ward 5. Her parents instilled a sense of community. Fuller has worked tirelessly behind the scenes for several organizations, boards and commissions in Lexington. 

Fuller is a 1970 graduate of Lexington Senior High School. “Orange and blue blood still run through my veins!” She attended Ashemore Business College and Davidson County Community College majoring in business administration.

She worked for decades to uplift Lexington’s future. “I have been honored to serve on the Lexington City School Board. One of our main projects then was finally air conditioning all city schools and many other academic projects.”

Being a Lexington City Council member was an honor for Fuller as well. “Governmental decisions for our city’s future was and still is very important to me. My platform then was education, recreation, housing and economic development. Sad to say, these are still our city’s concerns today. Just like Rome, we cannot build the ‘ideal’ Lexington in a day. However, I am proud to have been a decision maker years ago, along with many other wise men and women, to bridge us to today's officials and staffs for their leadership today.”

Fuller was a Lexington Housing Authority commissioner and that, too, was an honor. “My attempt was to help educate residents how to better themselves and become possible homeowners. There are programs available for residents who want to let us, Lexington Housing Authority, help them. Participation is available to all who are interested.”

Her roles have taken Fuller outside of the city. “I was double honored to be a member of the National Black Caucus. To associate with other Black elected officials then was educational to me. Their conversations of experience and wisdom was a guide for me. During my time, Black officials were new positions in Lexington, by court order only. Therefore, it was imperative to me to become as intelligent and knowledgeable in decision making for our city.”

The proudest moments of her life are being a mother and grandmother “...nurturing, supporting and watching my children grow into responsible young adults. I was blessed again to do the same for my two oldest grandchildren and now my three youngest grandchildren. I have always said my children are my hobby.”

Wilma Evans Fuller and family. {Contributed Photo}

In retirement, Fuller’s highest accomplishment is being a matriarch. “I am the ‘proud’ mother of two children, Michelle Evans Barriet and Michael Evans-Bey, aka ‘The Hot Dog Man.’ I am also the ‘proud’ grandmother of Demauri Barriet, Dezarae Barriet Prentis, Mossiah Bey, Malikki Bey and Mansa Bey.”

Wilma Evans Fuller celebrates the holidays with family. {Contributed Photo}

Grandchildren Julius McClelland, Tyanna Fuller and Madison Barnett round out the family. “Together, Robert and I have a special blended family. Robert and I are new members of First Baptist Church, on Village Drive in Lexington. Our pastor is Rev. Carlton Sturdivant and his wife, First Lady Denita Sturdivant of Greensboro.”

Wilma is also the proud wife of Robert Earl Fuller. Robert has three children, Shawn Byers, Nicole Fuller and Sybil Fuller. “My husband Robert and I share many, many wonderful memories together. He is the love of my life.”

Fuller says she has felt unrecognized at times, but doesn’t serve for the praise.“Some have said, I didn't do this, I didn't do that, even I didn't do anything. That does not bother me anymore. I never attempted to do anything for me. My only attempts on any board, and in my daily living, is to make a significant change for the betterment of my people of this city. I have lived through Civil Rights disturbances. Good days and bad days are behind me, and so are the same for the future days to come. I am glad to say this is my city. This is why community service was an opportunity for me to contribute to our children's future. The diverse economic stability this city once had, can become a new more sophisticated technological reality again. Let us make it happen!”

Michael and Wilma cooking at awards ceremony for Jacket Parent Academy.

Thank you to Wilma Evans Fuller for all the “Good” she has brought to the Lexington community.