In 1994, Iris Waldrop left her job at a car dealership in Brookhaven, Mississippi, when a friend suggested that she consider an open position at Hospice of Central Mississippi. Iris was familiar with Hospice because they had taken care of her sister just a few months earlier. “I prayed about it and then decided that the open position, Volunteer Coordinator, would be something I think I’d enjoy doing. We had a good experience there with my sister, and it was a good time for a career change, “says Iris. That was 25 years ago, and today she is still in that position.
Iris is not the only employee in the Brookhaven location though who chose Hospice Ministries for a long career in caring for patients. She is one of four employees in Brookhaven who represent more than 90 years of combined service at Hospice Ministries. As they reminisce, they talk about the milestones that the Brookhaven location has achieved. “When I started, we had 17 patients. We had a huge celebration when we hit 20, and then another celebration when we hit 25,” says Iris. “We hit 30, and then other agencies moved to town.
”Kathy Sutton and Sherry Britt are both RNs at Hospice Ministries in Brookhaven. Virginia Collins is a CNA. They, along with Iris, are celebrating long and fulfilling careers together working for something in which they all believe strongly: a quality end-of-life experience. They all say that they weren’t too worried when the other agencies moved in. They knew that if they continued doing what they do best – serving patients and treating patients with dignity – Hospice Ministries will always be the first choice for patients and families in their area.
“We all are from this community, so people know us. We’re not a branch of a large corporation. We love our community, and we love our patients, and that’s why people call us by name when it comes time for hospice,” they all say. When asked why they chose hospice for a career, their answers are touching. “I felt I could make a difference in people’s lives,” says Iris. “Hospice is never what people think it is when they come to volunteer, and it makes me happy to tell them that we’re more about living life to the fullest than dying.” Kathy Sutton, a 24-year employee goes on to say, “I was told during my interview that Hospice of Central Mississippi is like family, and we treat our patients like family. My mama always told me to treat anybody that I am caring for like I would treat my own mother, so that’s what I strive to do.” “I love working hands-on with people so I love what I do. It’s work that comes from my heart,” says Virginia Collins, who has been with Hospice Ministries for 23 years. Sherry Britt (20 with Hospice Ministries) says, “I’m here because the Lord put me here. Nobody can do this as long as I have unless the Lord has called you to do it.”
To learn more about Hospice Ministries and the Brookhaven location, visit HospiceMinistries.org