Carrying Forward a Spirit of Hope
From 1998 to 2020, Carole served as Head of School at Briarwood and Tuttle. For more than two decades, she carried forward the founding vision of Yvonne Tuttle Streit, who established this school in 1967 so that children could learn in the way they learn best. With deep conviction, she ensured that our school remained a place where instruction was responsive, where teachers were highly trained, and where students were known personally.
Carole often referred to Briarwood and Tuttle as having a spirit of hope. She believed that when learning is unlocked, a student’s sense of dignity is restored, confidence is rebuilt, and doors that once felt closed begin to open. Teachers were encouraged to find each student’s strengths — what she called islands of competency — and to keep trying different approaches until learning clicked. Through that persistence and belief, futures were reshaped for countless students and families.
Warmth, grace, enthusiasm, and professionalism marked her leadership. Upbeat and genuinely interested in those around her, she was a natural connector, generous with encouragement and steady in her support. The potential she saw in students and teachers alike was often greater than they saw in themselves, and she had a gift for drawing out the best in others.
Her influence extended well beyond our campus. Deeply involved with the International Dyslexia Association, she served in leadership roles at both the local and national levels, including as President of the Houston Branch of IDA and later as a member of its national Board of Directors. She also served as President of the Houston Association of Independent Schools and remained an active voice in the LD school community throughout her career. Through conference presentations across Texas and the country, she contributed thoughtfully to the broader conversation around specialized education.
Most of all, her legacy lives within this community: in the leaders and teachers she shaped, in the students whose futures were changed, and in the enduring spirit of hope that remains woven into the fabric of Briarwood and Tuttle.
We are grateful for her leadership, her dedication, and the many years she gave to this school. We hold her family in our thoughts and prayers during this time.
With respect and gratitude,
Lisa Landi
Interim Head of School
The Briarwood School
Obituary
For those who would like to read more about Carole’s life and legacy, her full obituary can be found here.
We honor the life and legacy of Carole Wills, whose vision, compassion, and steadfast leadership shaped The Briarwood School and the lives of countless students and families. Mrs. Wills believed deeply in the potential of every child and in the power of a school community grounded in respect, perseverance, and love. Her impact will be felt for generations.
Gifts made in memory of Mrs. Wills will support the Carole C. Wills In Memoriam Fund, ensuring that Briarwood students continue to have access to the education she so passionately championed.
Donations may be made online here. Checks may be made payable to The Briarwood School and mailed to 12207 Whittington Drive, Houston, TX 77077. Please indicate “IMO Carole Wills” in the memo line.
For more information or to discuss additional giving options, please contact Penelope Khuri in the Advancement Office at 281-493-1070 ext. 117 or pkhuri@briarwoodschool.org.
We invite members of our community to share memories, reflections, and words of gratitude.
Reader interactions
23 Replies to “In Memory of Carole Wills”
I met Carole when both of us were teaching at the summer Super Camp program at Briarwood. She had a group of 3 year olds, and I was teaching motor development in the gym. She would come with her kiddos and we would do all kinds of crazy animal walks and games on balance beams and scooter boards, and the wackiest Wednesdays of all when we rolled around in flour!!! I loved getting to know her that summer, and was delighted to learn she had joined the Briarwood faculty. We shared the same initials, and were co-workers and friends for a several years. It was wonderful to see Carole assume the position of head of school. When I moved from Briarwood to a role at Brookwood, she gave me her blessing, and some words of wisdom that served me well. Carole made an immeasurable positive difference in countless lives, and mine is but one of them. She will forever be remembered with love.
Carole was the role model for all those in education as she worked tirelessly to make certain that each student was taught the way that student learned best. Her efforts and their resulting successes reach far beyond Whittington Drive and over multiple generations for years to come. Condolences to her personal as well as her Briarwood families.
Luke’s God Wink
Background: When Luke went for his volunteer day at Tuttle and his day was concluded, he came barreling (running with passion) to me in the lobby. Carole was there too. He was yelling, “This is my school! I love my school! This is my school!” Of course, this Mama bear tried to calm him quickly and my face turned red, as Carole was standing there and he turned to her and said the same thing. I said – “I’ve always been told I have a passionate child, and so glad Luke feels his day went well.” Carole turned to me and said “I love his excitement and I’m confident this is his school.” Mortified and filled with hope, I quickly exited with Luke and we prayed together in the parking lot about the Tuttle School and that God would guide us in the next steps.
Now this morning: . I woke up Luke like every other day at 6am and the first thing Luke said to me was “I love my school.” These are the exact words he said to Carole when he ran up to us at the conclusion of his volunteer day at Tuttle. I just sat on the edge of his bed speechless. I’m so humbled that I’m a part of this legacy and so often Luke speaks His words and what I need to turn my thoughts to – Carole today.
My prayers and thoughts are with her family, friends, teachers and the many students’ lives she touched and changed their life trajectory. She is an angel that is on my eternally grateful list.