In October 2010, this sweet lady attended a volunteer training session at HospiceMinistries to see if this ministry would be a fit for her retirement. The rest is history, as they say. She could be described as a quiet, compassionate servant. She has been called on many times to go and sit with a patient, and unless she is out-of-town, Hospice Ministries can always count on her. Many times, a caregiver will call back and tell me how kind she was to them and how patient she was with their loved one. It has also been said about this lady that she always seems to be available to sit with a patient to relieve a caregiver because she wants to be there. She is “very genuine” in wanting to make a difference. You will not find her in the midst of a big crowd talking loudly and making her presence known, but you can always find her kind, gentle spirit willing to serve in any capacity she is needed. Mary Barner is the essence of what a volunteer is at HospiceMinistries. She loves the patients and treats them like family. Hospice is a journey that you don’t have to travel alone, and Mrs. Mary believes that.
~By Iris Waldrop