WINGS of Ave Maria
The WINGS of Ave Maria, originally The Guild of Ave Maria, began 1951 by a group of Catholic women who recognized the need for a long-term care home. WINGS stands for Women Involved in Nurturing Generations, and that is what we are still doing today!
Our 30 plus WINGS members meet monthly, are active volunteers at Ave Maria Home, and hold special events during the year to raise funds that benefit Ave Maria residents. WINGS’ donations have been used to provide Christmas and birthday gifts for the residents; activity supplies, and Missalettes for the Chapel. Major gifts have included supporting Ave Maria’s Green House® Campaign, commissioning a St. Anthony statue, and providing landscaping needs throughout the campus. WINGS members also provide seasonal decorations for the entrances of the Green House® Homes, as well as for the main entrance, host annual resident Christmas parties, and assist with activities.
The WINGS are always looking for new members. If you would like to be a part of our non-profit organization, please contact either Mary Brown at 901-652-3115. Follow us on Facebook at WINGS of Ave Maria.
2024-2025 Board of Directors
President – Maureen Martini
Vice President – Joyce Carimi
Secretary – Cindy Hurley
Corresponding Secretary – Donna Noelker
Treasurer – Donna Grimm
History of the WINGS of Ave Maria
The WINGS of Ave Maria was founded as the Ave Maria Guild, Inc. in early 1950, by a small group of Catholic women who recognized the need for a home for aged men and women in the Memphis community. In March 1950, the Guild applied for and was granted a Charter under the laws of the State of Tennessee. Mrs. George Tidwell was named the first president.
During the three-year term of Mrs. Tidwell, a 9 ½ acre tract of land on the Charles Bryan Road was purchased. Toward the later part of her term, Austin K. Hall, architect, drew up plans for the home. Mrs. Foster A. Jones was elected president in June 1953 and during her tenure the actual construction got underway. In December 1955, a Charter was granted by the State of Tennessee for the Ave Marie Home for the Aged, Inc. Mrs. Charles Walsh was elected the first president of the newly formed corporation.
On June 3, 1956, The Most Reverend William L. Adrian, Bishop of Nashville, officially dedicated the Home. Until July 1, 1963, the Home provided only residential care, but on this date became a licensed nursing home. At the time, there were 36 residents, which was the capacity of the Home. In February 1965, the Home was renamed The Ave Marie Guild Home, Inc. as a tribute to the women who founded The Guild. Also in 1965, a permanent endowment fund was established under the Home Governing Board. Mr. J. Don Blankenship served as president. The Reverend J. Leonard Oglesby was the Spiritual Director of the Guild.
Founding and early members of the Ave Maria Guild, now WINGS of Ave Maria.
Our 13 Founding Members:
1. Mrs. Mattie Aldridge
2. Mrs. Matt Dwyer
3. Mrs. T.E. Folis
4. Mrs. S.A. Fransioli
5. Mrs. Fannie R. Heckle
6. Mrs. Annette Herbers
7. Mrs. Martha Tidwell – first president of Ave Maria Guild
8. Mrs. Robert Lawrence
9. Mrs. J.W. Murphy
10. Mrs. George O’Connor
11. Mrs. B.W. Richmond
12. Mrs. W.A. Ryan
13. Mrs. L.C. Stukenborg
Ave Maria
Ave Maria complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title IX of the Education Amendment of 1972 and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975.
We do not discriminate in regard to race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin.