Flora Lodge No. 119’s 2023 Community Builder’s Award was presented to Patricia Neel by Worshipful Master Charlie Couser on Thursday, May 25 at its facilities in Quitman.

This is the highest award a Texas Masonic Lodge can bestow on a non-Mason. The award is designed to recognize those who have distinguished themselves through service to others. Individuals who receive this award must follow the same precepts, ideals and standards that have been established for Masonic behavior.

Neel was raised by her father, a Mason and a Shriner, and her mother, a member of Eastern Star, on a farm outside Houston. This environment provided the nurturing conditions from which she would learn that by caring for others, including her best friend, her horse, she could take the helm of her own life and, through caring for others, guide it toward greater happiness, fulfillment and self-esteem.

Neel met and married her husband, Jack. They raised seven children. They lost a son to cancer 16 years ago. Their children were the pride and joy of their lives. Neel was the stay-at-home mom who attended games, participated in extra activities, became a homeroom mother, baked cookies for school activities and did all the other little things while Jack ran their business. 

The Neels are long-time members of the First United Methodist Church of Quitman. It was through this membership that Neel met other members who, through their desire to help the less fortunate, would lead to the creation of, and her involvement in, the Quitman Christmas Sharing program. Created in 1980, this program first operated through the Wood County Welfare Office. The program is now a stand-alone organization with its own facilities. In 1995, Neel served the first of several terms as president. It was during her first term that Flora Lodge No. 119 joined forces with Christmas Sharing. This combination, coupled with the subsequent addition of other local businesses and community leaders, led to the creation of an organization that has become an integral part of the Quitman community and continues to help those in need 43 years later.

Neel’s other activities and accomplishments include serving several years on the Quitman Chamber of Commerce as well as the Quitman Beautification Committee. She held numerous positions, including trustee chair, at the First United Methodist Church. She worked tirelessly with the East Texas Food Bank and the Christmas Sharing Food Pantry. She joined the Forever Young Activity Center in 2009 and became a board member in 2013. She enjoyed helping the Wood County Child Welfare Board with several projects.

Perhaps her own words best describe why she was chosen to receive the Community Builder’s Award, “When we all work together, things get done!”