Caregiver Award Winners 2019

(Pictured: Richard Tetrick and Candice Greenlee)

(Pictured: Laura Graham, Tetrick Funeral Services, Ivy Tester, RN, Ballad Health Hospice/ January 2019 recipient of Tetrick Hospice Caregiver of the Month, and Brian Broyles, Nominator for the Award)

IVY TESTER, RN with Ballad Health Hospice in Johnson City, TN is the winner of the January 2019 Hospice Caregiver Award, presented by Tetrick Funeral Services.

Ivy was nominated by three people; the first being Phyllis Cornett who said in her nomination that having had my mother in the same hospice, in July 2018 the need came for my uncle Samuel Ashby to be admitted to hospice.  My brother and I immediately chose Ballad Hospice.  Being in a facility in Chuckey, the facility told us they would have to research if they could have that hospice agency.  We decided if they could not that we would take him home so we could have Ballad.  They did have the ability to provide Ballad.  We were very blessed to have Ivy Tester as our primary nurse for his care.  She came to admit him and knowing just four months earlier we had lost our mother, she was so caring!  She explained everything to us in a knowledgeable but empathetic way.  She provided excellent care to my uncle as well as to us.  She kept us updated with each visit she made.  To put it in a nutshell, we had very great care from a wonderful nurse who cares for her patient and the patient’s family.

The second nomination came from Bryan Broyles, David Broyles, and Kelli Grenti.  The nomination was forwarded to me by Hannah Counts who said she was sending it to me on behalf of the Broyles family.  Hannah said Ivy has been with hospice for over 15 years and continues to love and spoil our patients and families.

The Broyles’ nomination began with a scripture:

Let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us.  Psalm 90:17

With love and deepest appreciation – the family of Jerry Broyles – David, Kelli, and Brian

Ivy, no words or actions can fully express how grateful we are to you for all the love and care you showed Daddy during his last weeks and days with us.  From the first day we met up with you and the hospice family, you brought a special brightness and hope to the darkest of valleys.  You helped alleviate Daddy’s fear and took such good care of him and helped us to know how to as well.  You are blessed by God with a beautiful spirit and we are thankful He brought you to us at a time such as this.  Thank you!

Lastly, Mrs. Nancy Farr said that Ivy is such a sweet person.  She made Frederick and me feel so comfortable.  She knew when she came through the back door whether he was having a good day or not because he was sitting in the dining room when she would come and she would joke with him a few minutes when she entered.  This was how she would find his pain level by a joke.  

She is so knowledgeable about the medicines and didn’t push him but would explain why each medicine was needed and told him that the decision and consequences were his to decide.  

Ivy is a wonderful nurse!

Thank you, Ivy for doing such an exceptional job of taking care of your patients and families.  You have truly exemplified the qualities of an excellent hospice nurse.  We at Tetrick Funeral Services are honored to present you with the Hospice Caregiver of the Month Award for January 2019.

(Pictured: Susan Kelly, Director, Avalon Hospice - Kingsport, TN; Cynthia Coletti, Nominator; Sherry York, February Recipient and Bereavement Coordinator, Avalon Hospice - Kingsport, TN; Laura Graham, Community Relations, Oak Hill Funeral Home & Cremation Services)

Sherry was nominated by Cindy and Anna Coletti whose husband and father Anthony Coletti was a patient with Avalon Hospice .

Cindy said, “When Anthony was ill, Sherry made herself available to each one of us (5 people) on an as-needed basis.  For my youngest child this was especially necessary even through the first year; early on meeting weekly and less frequently with the group during the second half of the year.

Sherry listened to our difficulties and fears with a non-judgmental attitude.

She encouraged my children to have hope and gave them the opportunity to talk freely alone with her.

For me personally, she was there at all the critical times.

Sherry, congratulations on an excellent job in taking care of your family.  Oak Hill Funeral Home & Cremation Services is very appreciative of you!

(Pictured:  Hannah Counts, Director, Amedisys Hospice in Elizabethton,TN; Linda Byrd, CNA with Amedisys Hospice and March Caregiver Award Recipient; Laura Graham, Tetrick Funeral Services Community Relations; Kaylea Newberry, Amedisys Hospice)

LINDA BYRD, CNA with Amedisys Hospice in Elizabethton, TN is the winner of the March 2019 Hospice Caregiver Award, presented by Tetrick Funeral Home and Tetrick Funeral Services.

Linda was nominated by Vicki Ahrent  from Limestone, Tennessee, Pam Bowman, room- mate of Thelma Pierce (an Amedisys Hospice patient) , Hannah Counts on behalf of Kaylea Newberry, and Evelyn Jones.

Vicki said, “Linda would spend two hours gently cleaning Warren because he couldn’t move much without being in pain.  She was very kind to Warren and always made sure he was clean and happy.  Linda helped us all of the time with anything that Warren needed.  She stayed on top any issue until the problem was resolved.  We couldn’t thank her enough!

Pam Bowman said, “Linda is a wonderful person!  She takes care of my room- mate Thelma Pierce.  Every holiday she brings us gifts.  She always prays with us during her visits and anything we need – she does for us during the time she is here.  She lights up our days when she comes.  We are here in this nursing home room 24/7.  When she comes in, it feels like a different place.  She put a bird feeder up so we can look out the window and see the birds.  We look so forward to the days we know she will be coming!  For Valentine’s Day, she even gave us candy to give to anyone who comes in the room.  We always ask what we can do for her and we always hear the same answer – nothing.  We heard about this award through the Amedisys RN.  We feel there is no one more deserving than she is.  This would be a small way for us to show our love and appreciation for all she does for us.  I am not her patient but she still does so much for me – to even bring us reading glasses.  This has allowed me to be able to write this to nominate her.  Thelma doesn’t read or write but the glasses have helped her to be able to see pictures in magazines and TV clearer.  Please consider her for this award for she is so very deserving.  Thank you.  Signed: Thelma Pierce and Pam Bowman.

Hannah Counts, Amedisys Director, submitted a nomination on behalf of Kaylea Newberry.  

Kaylea said, “Linda tirelessly invests her time in the lives of our patients and their families.  She hosts a monthly activity at our local assisted living with money from her own pocket.  Out of her personal funds, she also buys gifts for the holidays for the patients.  Linda has such a gentle touch with the patients and is able to get our dementia patients to take a bath when no one else can.  She is always being recognized in obituaries by those she has cared for.  Linda takes care of each and every patient with dignity and care like she would her own family.  Linda is truly a gem and such a blessing to our team; she is always willing to go the extra mile and add to her patient list when needed.

Linda is the absolute best CNA!”

The last nomination for Linda was submitted by Evelyn Jones.  Evelyn said, “I am so happy to have Linda taking care of me.  I always look forward to seeing her at my door.  She is so kind and good to me.  She does a wonderful job with my bath and all of the other things she does for me.  She is the best.  I am so blessed to have Linda taking care of me.

Linda, congratulations on performing an excellent job in taking care of your patients and families.  

Tetrick Funeral Home and Tetrick Funeral Services greatly appreciates your dedication, care, and compassion!

(Pictured:Candice Greenee,RN, Director Ballad Health Hospice; Greg Matney, RN, Ballad Health Hospice and April 2019 Tetrick Funeral Services Hospice Caregiver of the Month Recipient; Laura Graham, Tetrick Funeral Services)

GREG MATNEY, RN  with Ballad Health Hospice in Johnson City, TN,  is the recipient of the April 2019 Hospice Caregiver Award, presented by Tetrick Funeral Services.

Greg was nominated by Vernon Ray Clemons whose mother was a patient and by Laura Graham whose husband was a patient with Ballad Health Hospice.

Mr. Clemons said, “Greg was so awesome in the care of my Mother.  He addressed all of her needs and did his best to relieve her pain.  We could not have had a better nurse!  He has a wonderful, caring heart and God will have a special place in heaven for him.  Thank you, Greg Matney!!!”

Mrs. Graham said, “Greg was my husband’s nurse.  John had a very rare and aggressive cancer of the lung and liver and he was stage 4 when he was diagnosed.  He was ready for hospice almost overnight because he spiraled downward so rapidly.  The tumors were growing at a very rapid pace and Greg was there to answer my questions and alleviate my fears any time I called him.  If he was with another patient when I called, he returned my calls as quickly as possible.  He sat at John’s bedside and explained everything he would be doing for him during the care giving process.  He was so gentle with John knowing that the tumors were growing at such a fast rate and they were causing much pain when he needed to be turned or handled.  He was there for us day or night and when he came up to encourage me after John’s memorial service; it meant more to me than he will ever know.  Thank you, Greg!  I will never forget your kindness and incredible care that you gave to my husband.”

Greg, congratulations on an excellent job in taking care of your families.  Tetrick Funeral Services is very appreciative of you!

(Pictured: Laura Graham, Tetrick Funeral Services; Skye Twitty, Home Health Aide, Caregiver of the Month Winner)

Skye Twitty, Home Health Aide with Ballad Health Hospice in Johnson City, TN is the winner of the May 2019 Hospice Caregiver Award, presented by Tetrick Funeral Services.

Skye was nominated by Kay Whitt whose husband Skye took care of.  Skye was nominated for this award when she was with Wellmont Hospice.  Kay had the following to say about why she nominated Skye for this award.

Skye was always kind and gentle while working with my husband.  She knew her job and did it well.  I was amazed that someone so young could be so conscientious.  She would come to the house, do her job, and leave in a reasonable time.  Skye never skimped on her care of my husband.  She talked to him and treated him well.  She always asked if we needed anything and was willing to help in any way she could.  It was refreshing for me and I could relax when Skye was coming because I knew she would do a good job with him. 

I believe God brought her into our lives at this time.  She was part of a great team that worked with my husband.

Thank you, Skye, for doing such an exceptional job of taking care of your patients and families.  You have truly exemplified the qualities of an excellent hospice caregiver.  We at Tetrick Funeral Services and Oakley-Cook Funeral & Cremation Services are honored to present you with the Hospice Caregiver of the Month Award for May 2019.

(Pictured: Laura Graham, Tetrick Funeral Services; Brooks Monroe, RN, Caregiver of the Month Winner; Teresa Payne, Director of Operations)

Brooks Monroe, RN with Avalon Hospice in Johnson City, TN is the winner of the JUNE 2019 Hospice Caregiver Award, presented by Tetrick Funeral Services in Johnson City.

Brooks was nominated by Angela Savage whose Mother was his patient.  Angela had the following to say in her nomination of Brooks,

“Brooks was so wonderful with my Mom.  That is why my family wanted to nominate him for this honor.   She loved him dearly.  He was always very caring and listened to all of our concerns and questions.  He put up with me aggravating him by calling or texting even after his regular work hours and he always answered me back.  He was very caring and genuine and truly cared about Momma and often brought her flowers which she loved receiving.  He was open and honest with us in preparation for when it looked like it was her time to go.  As extremely difficult as it was to see her slowly fade away, he made it a little easier for all of us and we will always be so grateful to him for that.

Thank you for acknowledging him.  He definitely deserves it!”

Brooks was also nominated by Gail Bobbitt whose Mother Helen Greeley was his patient.  Gail said, “Brooks was so very kind.  He was not only a compassionate nurse to the patient but also to the family members as well.  He was only a phone call or text away – no matter the day or time.”

Congratulations, Brooks for a job well done!

(Pictured: Laura Graham, Tetrick Funeral Services; Crystal Chatman, RN, Caregiver of the Month Winner)

Crystal Chatman, RN with Ballad Health Hospice in Johnson City, TN is the winner of the July 2019 Hospice Caregiver Award, presented by Tetrick Funeral Services.

Crystal was nominated by Debra Williams whose mother Sue Hill was your patient.  Debra had the following to say about why she nominated Crystal for this award.

Crystal took care of my Mother Sue Hill for small cell lung cancer.  Crystal treated my mother like she was her Mom. Crystal is very informative, caring, and compassionate.  Crystal formed a friendship with my Mom and Mom trusted her and was always so happy to see Crystal with her beautiful smile every time she came to take care of Mom.  She went above and beyond her position to make sure Mom was comfortable.  She is a trusted friend and I will always appreciate the wonderful care that she took care of my Mom.

Thank you, Crystal for doing such an exceptional job of taking care of your patients and families and now in your new position as Hospice Educator .  You have truly exemplified the qualities of an excellent hospice nurse.  We at Tetrick Funeral Services are honored to present you with the Hospice Caregiver of the Month Award for July 2019.

(Pictured:  Derek Cornett, Assistant Manager, Tetrick Funeral Home; Gail Miller CNA with Amedisys Hospice, Elizabethton, TN; Laura Graham, Tetrick Funeral Services, and Hannah Counts, Director, Amedisys Hospice in Elizabethton, TN)

Gail Miller CNA with Amedisys Hospice, Elizabethton, Tennessee is the winner of the August 2019 Hospice Caregiver Award, presented by Tetrick Funeral Home.  Gail was nominated by Cathy Blair whose husband Gail took care of.

Cathy Blair who had the following to say:

“To say that Gail was a kind, caring, knowledgeable medical professional who helped our family during one of the most difficult times in our lives is an understatement.  Gail became our lifeline and our contact with the outside world.

My husband had ALS.  As his disease progressed and his mobility issues increased, Gail was not deterred.  She found a way to give him the comfort of a soothing bath.  At first he was embarrassed and apprehensive but Gail put him at ease and gave him one of the few things that actually gave him comfort even in the most dire of physical challenges.  She never gave up!  Even when we had to use a Hoyer Lift to transport, Gail never gave up.  Due to the nature of ALS, my husband, by all rights, more than likely would have suffered greatly from pressure sores.  For months he was unable to move and relieve the pressure from numerous parts of his body.  Gail’s assessment skills and tender care of his skin amazingly prevented him from developing the sores you would have expected him to develop, thus preventing him from suffering another consequence of his disease.  Even more than the exceptional and professional care Gail delivered to my husband, she gave us both friendship, love and compassion.  We looked forward to her visits.  She was kind, caring and attentive.  She always asked what he wanted her to do on each visit, never pushing but always willing to do whatever he needed that day thus allowing him to maintain some control over his life.  I, for one, will be forever grateful for the care Gail gave to both Cliff and myself.  With deepest respect and abiding love, I nominate Gail Miller for the “Caregiver of the Month Award.”   Signed, Cathy Blair

Thank you, Gail, for doing such an exceptional job of taking care of your patients and families.  You have truly exemplified the qualities of an excellent hospice caregiver.  We at Tetrick Funeral Home are honored to present you with the Hospice Caregiver of the Month Award for August 2019.

(Pictured:  Laura Graham, Oak Hill Funeral & Cremation Services;  Carey Young, RN, Smoky Mountain Hospice, Kingsport TN.)

CAREY YOUNG, RN with Smoky Mountain Hospice, Kingsport, Tennessee is the recipient of the September 2019 Hospice Caregiver Award presented by Oak Hill Funeral & Cremation Services.  Carey was nominated by Kathy Owens whose mother was her patient.

Kathy had the following to say why she nominated Carey for this award:

Carey Young provided hospice care for my mother. She knew the perfect combination of highly competent nursing care and love and compassion not only for my Mom but to the rest of the family. She was thorough, cheerful, and friendly in her interactions. 

Carey is truly an excellent caregiver and we are so thankful that she took care of my Mom.

The entire time she was with us, she constantly showed Mom love and compassion while she was also medically taking care of her and making her days as comfortable as she could.

Thank you, Carey, for doing such an exceptional job of taking care of your patients and families.  You have truly exemplified the qualities of an excellent hospice caregiver.  We at Oak Hill Funeral & Cremation Services are  honored to present you with the Hospice Caregiver of the Month Award for September 2019.

(Pictured:  Laura Graham, Oak Hill Funeral & Cremation Services;  Erika Weatherford, RN with Amedisys Hospice in Kingsport, TN and Recipient of October 2019 Hospice Caregiver of the month; Renee Skelton, RN, Director ofOperations Amedisys Hospice, Kingsport, TN.)

ERIKA WEATHERFORD, RN with Amedisys Hospice, Kingsport, Tennessee is the

recipient of the October 2019 Hospice Caregiver Award presented by Oak Hill Funeral & Cremation Services.  Erika was nominated by Beth Turner whose mother was her patient.

Beth had the following to say why she nominated Erika for this award:

Erika Weatherford provided hospice care for one of my family members during the last 4 of 12 months the family member received hospice care.  Erika brought the perfect combination of highly competent nursing care and love and compassion and patience in her approach of care giving.

She interacted with my family member and was able to intuitively pick up on physical and emotional needs that were not expressed by the patient.  Erika was thorough, cheerful, and friendly in her interactions.  She was incredibly patient in routinely answering my many questions to give me information needed to make decisions.  She made sure that I understood what she was saying and if I asked her opinion, she offered it in a supportive way.  She answered many questions from the patient and communicated in a manner that was considerate of the patient’s abilities and needs.

Erika was always patient and accommodating.  She took her time and was always fully present during her visits.  She was congenial, and the patient and I often had conversations about things of interest to one of us.

My family member’s passing was sudden and unexpected, and it happened during one of Erika’s routine visits.  During this short, intense, and very emotional time, Erika was both an outstanding and a very competent nursing professional and a caring, loving human being who brought peace to me and my family members.

Erika is truly remarkable!  Please recognize her exceptional service to a calling for which she is clearly and uniquely qualified.

Thank you, Erika, for doing such an exceptional job of taking care of your patients and families.  You have truly exemplified the qualities of an excellent hospice caregiver.  We at Oak Hill Funeral & Cremation Services are  honored to present you with the Hospice Caregiver of the Month Award for October 2019.

(Pictured:  Charlene Jackson, RN, Avalon Hospice, Johnson City, TN; Laura Graham, Oak Hill Funeral & Cremation Services )

CHARLENE JACKSON, CNA with Avalon Hospice, Johnson City, Tennessee is the recipient of the November 2019, Hospice Caregiver Award, presented by Tetrick Funeral Services.  Charlene was nominated by Brenda Blevins, whose husband was a patient of Charlene’s.

Brenda had the following to say about why she nominated Charlene:

I would like to nominate Charlene for this honor because she was my husband Jerry’s CNA.  She was so caring not only to him but to the rest of the family.  I feel like she is part of the family.  Jerry used to give us trouble when shower time came.  However, Charlene always was so kind to him that he never refused a bath after she came into our lives.  She always goes above and beyond her duties.  We personally love her and we loved her to be with Jerry.  I must say it was a hard decision to begin hospice in the first place but I am so glad that we did.  I felt so secure having them just a phone call away. 

I cannot put into words how we feel about Charlene.  She is so deserving of this award!

Thank you, Charlene, for doing such an exceptional job of taking care of your patients and families.  You have truly exemplified the qualities of an excellent hospice caregiver.  We at Tetrick Funeral Services are honored to present you with the Hospice Caregiver of the Month Award for November 2019.

(Pictured: Laura Graham, Oak Hill Funeral & Cremation Services; Marcella Ball, CNA with Amedisys Hospice in Kingsport, Tennessee and Recipient of December 2019 Hospice Caregiver of the Month; Renee Skelton, RN, Director ofOperations Amedisys Hospice, Kingsport, TN.)

MARCELLA BALL, CNA with Amedisys Hospice, Kingsport, Tennessee is the recipient of the December 2019 Hospice Caregiver Award presented by Oak Hill Funeral & Cremation Services.  Marcella was nominated by Ileene Clark, whose sister Alta Faye Wallen was her patient.

Mrs. Clark had the following to say about why she nominated Marcella:

Marcella was very caring with Faye.  She even sang to her.  Marcella took extra care with all of the caregiving – even going to the trouble of changing the bed by herself so she would be sure that Faye did not hurt in the process.  Faye had a sore on one leg and Marcella always propped her leg up to protect it when she was working with her and changing her bed.

After Faye’s bath, Marcella always left her fixed up and feeling good about herself.  She would be sure that her hair was styled and she was very clean and fresh.  She never left without telling her that she loved her and that God would take care of her.  She always prayed for Faye before leaving her.

For her entire adult life, I think Marcella has put others first and she is so deserving of receiving this award and become aware of just how special she is to not only our family but to the many families she has served.

Thank you, Marcella, for doing such an exceptional job of taking care of your patients and families.  You have truly exemplified the qualities of an excellent hospice caregiver.  We at Oak Hill Funeral & Cremation Services are honored to present you with the Hospice Caregiver of the Month Award for December 2019.

(Pictured:  Laura Graham, Oak Hill Funeral & Cremation Services;  Erika Weatherford, RN with Amedisys Hospice in Kingsport, TN and Recipient of October 2019 Hospice Caregiver of the month; Renee Skelton, RN, Director ofOperations Amedisys Hospice, Kingsport, TN.)

(Pictured:  Erika Weatherford, RN and Mark Aaroen, Chief Operating Officer, Heritage Operating LLC.)