Flora Masonic Lodge honors Ila Wisdom

Posted 5/5/22

Flora Lodge No. 119 A.F. & A.M. in Quitman presented Ila Wisdom the Community Builder Award April 26.

The award is given annually to non-Masons for outstanding philanthropic efforts, who …

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Flora Masonic Lodge honors Ila Wisdom

Posted

Flora Lodge No. 119 A.F. & A.M. in Quitman presented Ila Wisdom the Community Builder Award April 26.

The award is given annually to non-Masons for outstanding philanthropic efforts, who have distinguished themselves through services to the community, following the same principals and standards of Masons. 

Wisdom moved to Quitman in 1998 after serving the Birdville School District as business education teacher. She worked for attorney Ben Kerr through whom she met her future husband, Hank Wisdom.

They opened Hank’s Smokehouse and Wife’s Marina on Lake Quitman in February 2001. Ila also worked as secretary for the First United Methodist Church. Due to the deterioration of Hank’s health, they had to close their business in May 2006 and moved to the Rio Grande Valley near McAllen where they lived until Hank’s death in 2010. Hank’s son Chad bought property on Lake Quitman in 2018 and asked Ila to move back to Quitman.

P.J. Poe Kalenak involved Ila with her desire to create a website where local suppliers and local buyers could be connected. In 2020, Homegrownetx.com was created.

During the fall 2020 the discussion of Christmas on the square was brought up. Kelly Keike, Carley Tucker, Kalenak and Wisdom got together as the Core Four and made Hometown Christmas happen resulting in special memories.

Kalenak and Wisdom opened Sunday Market in the Park in the spring 2021.

Wisdom also helped organize vendors for the Quilt Show in the Park, assisted with the Quitman-Lake Fork Kiwanis Club Golf Tournament, and coordinated downtown Halloween activities.

Wisdom said none of the above could have been accomplished without the support of individuals and organizations.  

Wisdom has also been involved in helping a school and church in Mexico.