Next weekend, residents will pay their final respects to longtime community servant Evora Wheeler, but Emporia City Commissioners took action to honor her legacy in advance Wednesday afternoon.
Following their regular study meeting, recently appointed Mayor Becky Smith made a motion to rename City Conference Room 1AB in White Auditorium the Evora Wheeler Conference Room. The motion was approved unanimously, and Smith notes that it was an important action to take, as Wheeler was known for her generous nature and tireless support of various charitable endeavors. However, her work to support and improve the community went much further.
Not only was Wheeler a member of the commission and former Mayor, she was also one of the first women to serve in local government, with Smith calling her a trailblazer for all who followed.
Smith says that she hopes that putting Wheeler’s name and legacy on display for others to see will serve not only as a reminder of who she was but also as a source of inspiration for future generations of citizens.
Wheeler passed last Friday at the age of 94 and, in addition to her time on the city commission, also served on the Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and was a founding member of Lyon County Crime Stoppers, among other accomplishments. Memorial services for Wheeler will be held next Saturday, January 17th, at the Lyon County Fairgrounds Anderson Building. A time for the service has yet to be announced.
