Nurses Honor Guard of East Central Alabama

Our guard chapter is honored to have the opportunity for two of our members to attend the first conference of the National Nurses Honor Guard Coalition. 450 members of guard chapters across the country have gathered in Erlanger, KY to learn from each other and exchange ideas for spreading awareness of our mission and improving our services.

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Hey all! Apologies for making the first page for Alabama State Nurse Honor guards incorrectly. Was unable to change it from personal profile page to "company" page, so we had to start over. Please follow, share, and spread the word!! Thank you all so much for sticking through the bumps with this thing!

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Alabama State Nurse Honor Guards Nurses serving nurses throughout the state for a purpose

On Friday April 12, the Nurses Honor Guard of East Central Alabama was honored to have been invited to showcase our mission, and to pay homage to members of the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) who passed in 2023 at their annual conference.

The Emergency Nurses Association Conference, renowned for its commitment to advancing emergency nursing practice and patient care, provides a platform for healthcare leaders, practitioners, and advocates to come together and exchange knowledge, insights, and experiences.

For us, being invited to share our mission at the ENA Conference and to honor 5 of their members who passed in 2023 was a profound and meaningful experience.

We extend our gratitude to the Emergency Nurses Association for this invitation and for their unwavering support of nurses. We look forward to connecting with more fellow healthcare professionals, sharing our passion for honoring nurses' legacies, and inspiring others to join us in this meaningful endeavor.

Cassie Tew RN
Jean McKenzie RN, DEN, TNS
Adam Russell BSN, RN. CFRN, EMT-P
Donnie Davis MSN, RN
Rhonda Johnson RN

We officially release you of your nursing duties and we will proudly continue to carry the torch.

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On Thursday April 18 of 2024, the Nurses Honor Guard of East Central Alabama had the privilege of honoring Jean McKenzie RN.

Jean graduated from Milwaukee County General Hospital School of Nursing in 1972 as an RN. She served the nursing field for 42 years, 36 of which were spent serving as an Emergency Department nurse.

Jean began her service to the field as a staff nurse on CCU at Milwaukee County General Hospital, then went on to serve at St. Joseph's Hospital (Milwaukee) on the Women's Surgical Unit for 5 years, followed by 11 years at Illinois Valley Community Hospital in the Emergency Department. Jean also held EMT certification and served with two ambulance systems (Tonica, IL and Peru, IL) in addition to teaching at Brookwood and Illinois Valley Hospital as a CPR Instructor. She was also a long-time member of the Alabama Emergency Nurses Association (ENA).

Jean’s tenure in the Emergency Department emerged as a cornerstone, during which she stood as a guardian of hope amidst the chaos, a steady hand in the tumult of uncertainty.

Jean’s devotion to caring for others extended far beyond the walls of the Emergency Department. From the critical care units of Milwaukee County General Hospital to the Women's Surgical Unit of St. Joseph's Hospital in Milwaukee, and onward to the Illinois Valley Community Hospital, her footsteps left an ineradicable mark upon all who knew her.

Her spirit of service knew no bounds, as evidenced by her dual role as an Emergency Medical Technician, traversing the communities of Tonica and Peru, Illinois, answering the call of duty with unwavering resolve. Furthermore, as a CPR instructor at Brookwood and Illinois Valley Hospital, Jean imparted not only the techniques of resuscitation but also the essence of compassion, nurturing a generation of caregivers imbued with her ethos. Jean's service with the Alabama Emergency Nurses Association was a testament to her enduring commitment to excellence and her unwavering advocacy for the advancement of emergency care.

Throughout her years of selfless devotion to the care and wellbeing of her patients, Jean stood as a beacon of strength and solace. Those 42 years of service were marked by her dedication to healing, comfort, and grace.

Jean’s legacy will forever be woven into the fabric of every life she touched, every soul she comforted, and every heart she healed. May her spirit of compassion guide us, her dedication inspire us, and her memory embolden us to emulate every quality of a nurse she proudly exemplified.

Jean McKenzie, we officially release you of your nursing duties, and we will proudly continue to carry the torch.

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Nightingale Tribute Leader: Amanda Simmons RN
Participants: Shari Busby RN, Michele Schuffert MSN RN

On Saturday March 23 of 2024, the Nurses Honor Guard of East Central Alabama had the privilege of honoring the vibrant and gleaming soul of Mrs. Tracee Andryce Williams.

Tracee graduated with honors from the University of Ohio’s nursing program with a Bachelors of Science in Nursing. She continued her nursing education at Vanderbilt University, where she went on to obtain a Master of Science degree in Nursing.

Tracee’s most rewarding role as a nurse was spent serving three Pruitt Healthcare facilities as their Nurse Practitioner (specializing in Adult Primary Care). She also served as a member of the Chi Eta Phi Nursing Sorority as Financial Secretary, and as a volunteer in the Nurse ministry at First Baptist Church in LaGrange, GA while attending.

Throughout her journey, Tracee epitomized the essence of selflessness and service. She embraced her calling with steadfast commitment to the well-being of others, and did so with boundless compassion.

As Financial Secretary of the Chi Eta Phi Nursing Sorority, Tracee exemplified leadership and dedication. Her contributions to the sorority reflected her commitment to advancing the nursing profession and uplifting her fellow nurses.

In her role as a nurse practitioner, Tracee served with distinction at three Pruitt Healthcare facilities, where her expertise and nurturing spirit touched the lives of countless patients and families. Her tireless efforts to provide care for those in need were a testament to her profound dedication to nursing.

Tracee's legacy of compassion, dedication, and service will continue to live on in the hearts of those she touched. Her memory will forever be cherished by her family, friends, colleagues, and the countless lives she impacted throughout her remarkable journey. May her legacy serve as a guiding light, inspiring us all to care for others as Tracee served.

Tracee Andryce Williams, we officially release you of your nursing duties, and we will proudly continue to carry the torch.

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Nightingale Tribute Leader: Pooie Cantrell RN
Participants: Pam Knudson RN, Jennifer Striblin RN, Amanda Simmons RN

State NHG coverage map

On Wednesday, January 17, the Nurses Honor Guard of East Central Alabama had the privilege of honoring Dr. Dorothea Anne Dillman RN.

Dorothea began her service to the field of healthcare in the United States Navy as a Corpswave and EKG Technician. She went on to attend Stoney Brook University (BSN) and later earned her MSN from the Medical College of Wisconsin. She then attended the University of Alabama at Birmingham for her DSN, and transferred to their Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program. She eventually went on to earn her PhD in Nursing and Education from Calamus University in 2008.

Dorothea served the field of nursing for just short of 35 years. Her areas of expertise included trauma, ICU, and CVICU nursing. Throughout her years of service, Dorothea remained a beacon of compassion to her patients. Her selflessness knew no bounds, and she approached every patient with an abiding commitment to their well-being.

Dorothea's most rewarding position, though, was as a clinical instructor for nursing students at Auburn University Montgomery (AUM). Dorothea imparted not only knowledge but also a profound sense of purpose to her students. Her dedication to the education of her students was a reflection of her belief that nurturing the minds and hearts of future nurses was as crucial as the technical skills they acquired. Her commitment to her students' education was clearly evident when she went to the extent of providing transportation to and from clinicals for some of her students who didn't have rides. Her students can provide countless additional stories exemplifying her love for teaching and her students.

Dorothea leaves behind a legacy of selflessness, compassion, and commitment to education. Her unwavering devotion to making a difference in the lives of others will continue to be a source of guidance and inspiration for her students, and all who knew her, for years to come.

Dr. Dorothea Dillman RN, we officially release you of your nursing duties, and we will proudly continue to carry the torch.

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Nightingale Tribute Leader: Dr. Linda Gibson Young
Participants: Shari Busby, Penny Popwell, Judy Smith, Jennifer Striblin, Amanda Simmons

On Tuesday November 28, the Nurses Honor Guard of East Central Alabama had the remarkable privilege of honoring the nursing legacy of Dr. Harriett Elizabeth Haynie Chappell (Lisa).

Lisa graduated from Southern Union Community College with her LPN certificate in1975, and later returned to Auburn University to advance her education. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1992, a Master’s Degree in Nursing from University of Alabama at Birmingham in 1995, and a PhD in Nursing Research from the Medical College of Georgia in 2007. She began her nursing career at East Alabama Medical Center and served there for 20 years before shifting her focus to teaching. She served at Frontier Nursing University since 2009 as the Associate Dean of Family Nursing.

Dr. Chappell's impact on the field of nursing extended far beyond the bedside. Armed with a wealth of knowledge and a heart full of compassion, Lisa was a living testament to the influential power of a well-educated nurse. Her pursuit of continued higher nursing education was not merely an acquisition of degrees, but a profound commitment to understanding the intricacies of healthcare and applying that knowledge in order to uplift the lives of others. Colleagues respected her for the depth of her expertise, and patients found solace in the assurance that they were in the hands of a nurse who combined compassion with a formidable understanding of medical science.

Dr. Chappell's commitment to lifelong learning fueled her passion for providing the best possible care. Her dedication to staying at the forefront of healthcare practices made her a beacon of inspiration for fellow nurses and healthcare professionals. Beyond the accolades and degrees, Lisa was a compassionate healer who understood that knowledge, when paired with genuine empathy, becomes a powerful tool for healing. Her ability to translate complex medical concepts into compassionate care endeared her to patients and made her a respected figure among her peers.

May we honor Dr. Chappell's legacy by continuing to embrace the pursuit of knowledge, compassion, and a tireless commitment to improving the lives of those we serve.

Dr. Harriett Lisa Chappell, we officially release you of your nursing duties, and we will proudly continue to carry the torch.

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Tribute leader: Jamie Ledbetter Davis RN
Participants: Lori Butler RN, Penny Popwell RN, Judy Smith RN, Amanda Simmons RN

On Monday, November 27, the Nurses Honor Guard of East Central Alabama had the privilege of honoring a revered nurse, a compassionate professor, and a visionary soul, Dr. William Stuart Pope RN BSN DNP.

He received his Doctorate of Nursing Practice from Samford University and went on to teach at Auburn University in the Department of Nursing in 2009.

Dr. Pope left an indelible impact on the world of healthcare. As a dedicated educator, he infused the art of nursing with passion, imparting not only knowledge but also a genuine love for the profession to countless students. His profound commitment to healing extended beyond the classroom, as he pioneered the creation of the CAREing Paws animal therapy program at Auburn University. In founding this transformative initiative, he not only recognized the therapeutic power of the bond between humans and animals, but also provided solace and joy to those in need. His nursing legacy is an enduring testament to the profound impact that one teacher can have on his students and the healing arts.

May his memory be a source of inspiration, a reminder of the power of education, and the boundless compassion that defines the nursing profession. Dr. Pope leaves behind a legacy of love, learning, and healing that will forever resonate in the hearts of those he touched.

Dr. Stuart Pope, we officially release you of your nursing duties, and we will proudly continue to carry the torch.

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Nightingale Tribute Leader: Dr. Linda Gibson Young
Participants: Shari Busby, Amanda Simmons

On Monday November 20, 2023, the Nurses Honor Guard of East Central Alabama had the privilege of honoring an extraordinary nurse, Mrs. Joan Duffett RN.

Joan began her nursing career after graduating from the Mountainside Hospital Nursing School in Montclair, New Jersey in 1952. She served in many different fields of nursing: hospital medical/surgical, private physician office, nursing home, and adult day care facilities. Joan was well-known for always being an advocate for the underserved. After finding a great need for adult day care services in the Athens, GA area, she was pivotal in expanding adult day care programs in the area through the Athens Community Council on Aging.

Joan's journey in nursing was more than a profession; it was a calling that she embraced with passion and purpose. Throughout her career, she became a pillar of strength and solace for those in need. Joan's commitment to her patients went beyond the clinical; she saw the humanity in every individual, offering not just medical care but a healing presence.

Joan's bright and brilliant soul was a beacon of compassion and care, and her nursing legacy will forever echo in the hearts of those who knew her. May she be remembered for her compassionate heart that overflowed with empathy, kindness, and an unwavering commitment to the well-being of others. May her legacy remain woven into the fabric of the countless lives she touched, the stories of healing she authored, and the compassion she sowed in the hearts of those she encountered.
Joan Duffett, we officially release you of your nursing duties, and we will proudly continue to carry the torch.

Joan had crafted the following poignant and moving poem in the early years of her career, which so eloquently illuminates the honor she felt for her service to the nursing profession.

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(Nightingale Tribute leader: Penny Popwell
Participants: Shari Busby, Amanda Simmons)

On Sunday, November 5, 2023, the Nurses Honor Guard of East Central Alabama had the privilege of honoring a remarkable soul who touched the lives of many with her boundless compassion and selfless spirit, Betty R. (Roughton) Cannon LPN.

"Miss Betty" (as she was more affectionately called) graduated from Valley High School in 1953 and was dual enrolled in the vocational nursing program where she received her LPN degree. She began serving at George H. Lanier Memorial Hospital in 1956 and retired in 2013 at the age of 77. She was well-known throughout the hospital, as she served on every unit -- Medical/Surgical, ICU, Obstetrics, and the Emergency Department. She also served for a time at the office of Dr. Simmons (Valley Medical Group) from 1968 until approximately 1980.

Betty Cannon was devoted to her profession and selflessly served as a nurse for 57 years. She was well-respected by her peers and loved by all who were fortunate to know her. Her dedication was not measured in years, but by the countless lives she touched and the indelible marks she left on the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to be under her care. Her wisdom, gained through decades of service, was a wellspring of knowledge that nurtured those around her.

In 2010, she was rightfully bestowed with the title of Nurse of the Year at George H. Lanier Hospital, a recognition that reflected not only her exceptional skills but also the essence of her character. It was a moment of acknowledgment for a lifetime spent in the service of others and the impact she had on those countless lives.

May we not mourn but celebrate the life and legacy of Betty Cannon. Though she may be absent in body, her influence endures -- an everlasting tribute to a life that was a testament to the power of a nurse's compassion and ability to heal.

Betty Cannon, we officially release you of your nursing duties, and we will proudly continue to carry the torch.

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(Nightingale Tribute leader: Lori Butler
Participants: Pamela Knudson, Shari Busby, Amanda Simmons)

On Saturday, October 28, 2023, the Nurses Honor Guard of East Central Alabama (with help from the Nurse Honor Guard of Montgomery) had the privilege of honoring the unwavering compassion and dedication of an extraordinary nurse, Sally Mae Creel LPN.

Sally graduated from Wallace Community College in Dothan, AL in 1998, after which she faithfully served as an LPN in several roles. Most of her nursing career (22 years) was spent serving at Luverne Health and Rehab. She also simultaneously served as a nurse for the Crenshaw County Jail for many of those years, along with volunteering as a rescue squad driver. She eventually moved into hospice nursing with Compassus where she served for 3 years and was highly esteemed and beloved by all who were fortunate to have Sally as their nurse.

Sally's life was a testament to the profound impact one person can have on the world. Sally approached each of her patients with a gentle touch and a soothing presence that brought solace to the ailing. With a heart full of empathy and hands that healed and comforted, Sally was a symbol of hope, a source of comfort, and a pillar of strength.

Sally's memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her and benefit from her nursing care. May Sally's legacy be a reminder that love, compassion, and dedication have the power to leave an enduring mark on the world.

Sally Mae Creel, we officially release you of your nursing duties, and we will proudly continue to carry the torch.

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On Saturday, October 7, 2023, the Nurses Honor Guard of East Central Alabama had the privilege of honoring the enduring light of a remarkable nurse, Barbara Ann Hill Harvey LPN.

After graduating from the University of the State of New York in 1979, Barabara began her 39-year nursing career as an LPN at the Central New York Psychiatric Center in Marcy, New York. She later went on to work at the Psychiatric Department of East Alabama Medical Center from 1984 – 1996. She then moved to the Skilled Nursing Facility of EAMC, followed by Arbor Springs Health and Rehab (Care Center). Throughout her career at Arbor Springs, she held the titles of Charge Nurse, Care Coordinator, Infection Control Nurse, Restorative Supervisor, Weekend Supervisor, and CNA Instructor.

In 1991, while working at East Alabama Medical Center, she was recognized for her vast nursing knowledge, skills, and expertise, and was named "Nurse of the Year" at EAMC.
She retired in 2018, but returned to serve in December of 2020 (Arbor Springs). She retired a final time in March of 2022.

Barbara Harvey served well her calling to alleviate suffering and bring hope to those in despair. With unyielding commitment to the well-being of her patients, she brought solace and comfort to all in their times of need. Barbara’s impact on the lives she touched is immeasurable and will endure in the hearts and memories of those who were privileged to share in her journey.

May Barbara's legacy inspire us to embrace each day with the same kindness and compassion that she brought to the world. May we find solace in the knowledge that her spirit continues to shine brightly and that she is now at eternal peace.

We are humbled to have offered a Nightingale Tribute to Mrs. Barbara Ann Harvey and her nursing legacy. We officially release you of your nursing duties, Barbara, and we will proudly continue to carry the torch.

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(Nightingale Tribute leader: Pooie Cantrell RN
Participants: Penny Popwell RN, Amanda Simmons RN

On Sunday, October 1, the Nurses Honor Guard of East Central Alabama had the privilege of honoring the vibrantly compassionate soul of Mrs. Judy Dennis RN.

Judy began her nursing career (of over 30 years) as an LPN after graduating from Trenholm State Community College in Montgomery, AL. She later returned to Troy State University to advance her education, after which she became an RN. She started as an OBGYN nurse, and then moved to Emergency Department nursing.

She went on to spend many years as Dr. Jimmy Durden's nurse at his family practice in Tallassee. Later, she and Dr. Durden worked together to start a medical clinic in Notasulga, where she was vital in helping the community in this underserved area receive healthcare.

Her hands, seasoned by countless hours of service, were not merely instruments of medical care but extensions of a caring heart. With each touch, she imparted not only healing but a profound sense of humanity. Her compassionate heart was a comfort to her patients and a source of inspiration to her colleagues.

May we reflect on the profound impact she had on the many lives she touched. May the comforting words she spoke in times of despair and her unspoken gestures of kindness remain etched in the memories of all who knew her.

We are humbled to have offered a Nightingale Tribute to Mrs. Judy Dennis and her nursing legacy. We officially release you of your nursing duties, Judy, and we will proudly continue to carry the torch.

(Nightingale Tribute leader: Amanda Simmons RN
Participants: Pooie Cantrell RN, Penny Popwell RN, Judy Smith RN, Camille Foshee RN, Laura Carden RN)

On September 1, the Nurses Honor Guard of East Central Alabama had the remarkable privilege of honoring our brother, friend and colleague, Donnie Davis, for his lifelong devotion to serving others through his exemplary nursing care.

As a graduate of Southern Union State Community College, Donnie excelled in his role as Registered Nurse. Much of Donnie's nursing career was spent in the emergency department setting, followed by his years in nursing education prior to his retirement.

Donnie was well known for his commitment to rendering excellent care to his patients, and for his dedication to imparting his extensive nursing knowledge to his fellow nursing comrades. Donnie will long be remembered for his bright smile, his jovial demeanor, his warm and welcoming presence, and especially for his effortless ability to reach out and connect to any stranger with sincere compassion.

We are truly humbled to have offered a Nightingale Tribute to Mr. Donnie Davis and his nursing legacy. We officially release you of your nursing duties, Donnie, and we will proudly continue to carry the torch.

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(Nightingale Tribute leader: Pooie Cantrell RN
Participants: Jennifer Marquette RN, Jennifer Striblin RN, Jennifer Roberts RN, Nelda Bell RN, Shari Busby RN, Amanda Simmons RN)

We are beyond honored to have been given the opportunity to offer a Nightingale Tribute for Fay Strader.

Fay faced many hardships in life and throughout them all, she continued to selflessly care for others - her family and her patients alike. She started her nursing career as an RN in the Labor and Delivery Unit at Columbus Medical Center, and returned to nursing in 1984 as a charge nurse at Pine Manor Nursing Home.

Although Fay's beautiful soul is put to rest, her light will continue to shine through to those she loved and through those who love her.

May those who feel the heavy weight of her loss find comfort in knowing she will continue to watch over them and be with them.

We officially release you of your nursing duties, Fay. We'll take it from here.

We are so very touched to have been given the honor of providing a Nightingale Tribute for Rhonda Burgreen.

May we remember how she continued to endure her trials with a heart of joy and unfaltering compassion for others.

May we work to exemplify her daily through our service to our patients, families, and all who enter our lives.

Although Rhonda's beautiful soul is put to rest, her bright light will continue to shine through to those she loved and through those who love her.

May those who feel the heavy weight of her loss find comfort in knowing she will continue to watch over them and be with them.

We officially release you of your nursing duties, Rhonda. We'll take it from here.

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Nightingale Tribute Leader: Amanda Simmons RN
Participants: Judy Smith RN, Jennifer Striblin RN

We are so very honored to have been able to provide a Nightingale Tribute for Mrs. Stephanie Walker. Although her beautiful soul is put to rest, her bright light will continue to shine through to those she loved and through those who love her. May those who feel the heavy weight of her loss find comfort in knowing she will continue to watch over them and be with them. We officially release you of your nursing duties, Stephanie. We'll take it from here.

Booklets are finished! I have 40 printed and will begin delivering them to local funeral homes today. If anyone is interested in delivering some to funeral homes in other areas (and introducing us, explaining what Nurses Honor Guard is about) please let me know!

Hello to the Auburn and Opelika communities! My name is Amanda and I have recently organized a Nurse Honor Guard for East Central Alabama.

The Nurse Honor Guard is a group of active or retired nurses who attend the funeral or memorial service for a nurse who has passed. Dressed in the traditional white uniform with cape and nursing cap, they perform a Nightingale Tribute and officially release the nurse of his/her nursing duties.

Our group (The Nurses Honor Guard of East Central Alabama) has been humbled to provide guard service for fellow nurses who've gone before us. We are now looking for more members to join in order for us to provide this very deserving service to all families in need. If you are interested in joining or if you know others who may be interested, please forward the flyer attached here or the link to our page. Or if you or others may be interested in having a service provided, please reach out using the contact info listed.

Facebook.com/NursesHonorGuardofEastCentralAL

We were so honored to have been able to provide a Nightingale Tribute for Mrs. Eunice Johnson on Sunday March 12. Her bright light will continue to shine through to those she loved and through those who loved her. May those who feel the weight of her loss find comfort in knowing she will continue to watch over them and be with them. We officially release you of your nursing duties, Mrs. Eunice.