NCIL is saddened to learn of the passing of Lois Curtis. Lois passed away on Thursday, November 3, 2022.
Lois Curtis was the lead Plaintiff in the Supreme Court decision Olmstead v. L.C. She is an icon in the Independent Living and disability communities. Her fight to live in the community and outside an institution established one of the most important legal precedents for disabled people: the right to receive services in the most integrated setting appropriate to their needs. Since the 1999 decision, that precedent has led to a cascade of freedoms enjoyed by millions of disabled people in a variety of settings.
NCIL thanks Lois Curtis for her bravery and honors her massive contributions to our communities. She will be deeply missed and remembered always.
“It is so sad to learn of the passing of Lois Curtis. Lois Curtis and Elaine Wilson were the driving force behind the landmark Olmstead decision. They challenged the State of Georgia to provide their support services in the community and fought steadfast all the way through the U.S. Supreme Court. This week, please take a moment or two to reflect on their impact on our communities,” said NCIL Vice President Jeff Hughes.
Tributes and Memorials to Lois:
- Landmark disability rights figure Lois Curtis dies: NPR
- Disability Community Remembers Pioneering Advocate Lois Curtis: HHS / ACL
- The Life and Legacy of Lois Curtis: AbleSC
Funeral Arrangements:
A viewing will be held 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. on November 11 at Donald Trimble Funeral Home. A funeral will be at Donald Trimble Funeral Home at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 12.
She will be laid to rest at the civil rights cemetery (South view Cemetery Association 1990 Jonesboro Rd. SE. / Atlanta, GA 30315). There will be a repass afterwards back at funeral home.
Please send any flower arrangements to:
Donald Trimble Funeral Home
1876 2nd Ave.
Decatur, Georgia 30032
Phone: (404) 371 -0772
So far over 500 people have donated over $22,000 to her final expenses. Make a donation at www.gofundme.com/f/final-expenses-for-the-lovely-lois.
