The now-annual tree-lighting at the eastern steps of the Wood County courthouse was dampened but not dimmed last Thursday evening. The wet, wintry weather kept the crowd slightly smaller than the past couple of years, but the few dozen that did come to witness it lit up all the same.

Quitman Mayor Randy Dunn welcomed everyone and spoke briefly about the recently-deceased Ila Wisdom, who spearheaded the event in 2020.

Dunn later remarked that the reason Quitman has Hometown Christmas now is that Ila Wisdom was going through a hard time and, “she called me and said, you know with all the COVID and everything, we need to have joy…. Her way of dealing with her sadness was to create joy for everybody else.”

He recalls Wisdom being a unique lady who loved life, was willing to help and shared joy.

“When she decided to do something, she didn’t do it half way, she did it all the way. So we’re glad to honor her this way, sad that she’s gone, but she’s here with us,” Dunn shared.

Quitman Chamber of Commerce director Christine Thomas added that Wisdom was involved with “almost every organization we have in town,” was a Kiwanian and served on the chamber board.

Thomas noted that, “We noticed, especially after losing her, that she really kept everyone going in the right directions. We’re trying to fill a void, but it’s really hard to do.”

Part of Wisdom’s legacy will carry on Dec. 3 when the third annual Hometown Christmas takes place in downtown Quitman.