No matter how many individuals appear in the pages of each edition of Keys Weekly, there are always so many more of our community members who deserve to be recognized. In an effort to shine a spotlight on more of the incredible individuals who live and work in these islands, Keys Weekly is proud to present our Neighbor of the Week feature, dedicated to celebrating a community member with each issue.
Our neighbor of the week is Lily Doglione-Williamson, who manages the Habitat for Humanity of the Middle Keys ReStore. She truly believes that she is doing what she was called to do and every day she puts God’s love into action by serving the community of Marathon.
LILY DOGLIONE-WILLIAMSON
Habitat ReStore
How long have you been in the Keys and what brought you here? My husband and I came to the Keys for a vacation 6-1/2 years ago. I should’ve known something was up because next thing I knew, our house was sold, he had a new job and new home for us here, and we’ve never looked back.
What do you do for fun in the Keys and why do you love living here? There’s so much to enjoy here! I love kayaking, paddle boarding, walking, cycling, snorkeling, the sun, the beach and all the community activities. I’m originally from Indiana but I’m an island girl through and through. Being so near the water soothes my soul, body and mind.
What are you passionate about right now and why? Obviously I love what I do and where I live, but I find so much joy in learning new ways to create beautiful art. I crochet, macrame, sew, sketch, paint, sculpt and more. Most everything I make, I give as gifts or donate to nonprofit organizations to auction off to raise money.
What is the weirdest thing someone has donated to the ReStore? Used boxer shorts and a rubber chicken, in the same bag. Ewwww!
What is your favorite flower and why? I love lilies, every kind, for obvious reasons.
What’s the best concert you’ve ever been to? In 1995, with my second son’s due date only a couple of days away, I went to a Boys II Men concert. The loud bass from the music induced contractions 10 minutes apart and we thought I’d give birth in the nosebleeds. My son loves the band now too and at his wedding this past Saturday, the groom/mother dance was to “A Song for Mama” by Boys II Men. We both cried.
What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in life? To trust in the Lord, my God.
What did you want to be when you were growing up? My father was in the Air Force, my grandfather and great-grandfather were in the Navy; so I had planned to join the military as well. When I saw “Top Gun,” I dreamed of being a fighter pilot, but my eyesight is terrible. I did participate in Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps and Civil Air Patrol in high school, but am now very content to support my oldest son who is in the Space Force.
What are three things people don’t know about you?
1. I worked as a professional decorative artist and faux finisher for 10 years in over 1,000 mansions in San Diego County.
2. I have two black belts in karate and taekwondo.
3. I have three amazing adult children and two lovely grandchildren with more soon to be on the way.
Know someone who would be a good “Neighbor of the Week?” Email keysweeklyjen@gmail.com.
