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WELLSBURG -- A woman who recorded several firsts in Brooke has received posthumous honors from West Virginia Democratic leaders.
The late Norma Lee Tarr was recognized as one of West Virginia’s Outstanding Democrats of the Year.
She was selected by local county leaders for her lifetime of hard work and dedication to the Democratic Party in Brooke County. Tarr received tribute from Democrats assembled at the Roosevelt-Kennedy Dinner Celebration held Oct. 3 at the Beni Kedem Temple in Charleston.
Tarr, who died Dec. 13 at the age of 90, was a lifelong resident of Brooke County and a 1954 graduate of Weir High.
In 1970, she established the Brooke County Chapter of Democratic Women, an organization centered on advancing policies that support women and families, increasing female participation in the political process and electing pro-choice Democratic women to office. She was elected as the first president of the Brooke County chapter.
In 1978, she was elected Brooke County Magistrate, the first female magistrate in West Virginia, a position that she would be re-elected to and hold for the next 22 years, serving her community with fairness, integrity, and compassion until her retirement in 2000.
After a brief retirement, she returned to civic life and was elected as the first female Brooke County commissioner.
Karen Coria, a Putnam County Democratic Party leader and chair of the 41st-annual awards ceremony indicated that the award was established to recognize local party officials and volunteers whom Democratic leaders feel have made major contributions to the party’s efforts.
“Our goal is to recognize these special people who have distinguished themselves by contributing to our society, by working within the framework of our democracy and political Party system,” Coria said.
Joining State Democratic Party Chair Mike Pushkin and Coria in acknowledging the accomplishments of the Tarr were First Vice Chair Pam Tucker Cline and this year’s special guest speaker, Ken Martin, chair of the Democratic National Committee.
The honoree received special recognition and presentations by party officials. “The efforts of the honoree demonstrated the importance of her work in affecting the outcome of local, state and national races.” Coria added.