MPMC Volunteer Reaches Milestone

6/1/2012

Mrs. Hattie Williams has been a volunteer at the front desk of Maria Parham Medical Center, a Duke LifePoint hospital, for 32 years.  Even more amazing is that she very recently celebrated her 97th birthday!  Each Friday afternoon she comes into the front door of the hospital with a beautiful smile on her face and dressed more like she is going into church on Sunday morning, rather than volunteering.  She sits with the front desk staff for three hours, helping to answer questions, direct people where to go and just ‘visit’ with those who come by.  She knows many of them personally and can call quite a few by name.  ‘Mrs. Hattie’, as everyone at the hospital calls her, has had a long history with the community, as she taught school here in Vance County and also helped her late husband run their funeral home business.

Mrs. Hattie has a very sweet demeanor, yet she is quick to tell you that young people were more respectful and dressed more nicely back when she taught school.  She will also give you her honest opinion on any number of topics.  Kathy Caudle, Director of Volunteer Services at Maria Parham, oversees the hospital volunteers.  She says, with a smile, “When you have as much life experience as Mrs. Hattie, that right has certainly been earned!”  Caudle goes on to say, “She is an absolute gem, and we have been very blessed at Maria Parham to have had her here for 32 years.  She is an amazing lady, and she does a very good job at the front desk.”

Ms. Hattie is very special to the Volunteer Services Department and to everyone who has the pleasure of knowing her.  If you happen to come into the hospital about mid-afternoon on a Friday and see a beautiful, smiling lady in a pink smock at the front desk, stop to introduce yourself.  That’ll be Mrs. Hattie!   


About Maria Parham Medical Center, A Duke LifePoint Hospital
Maria Parham Medical Center, located in Henderson, NC, is a regional hospital serving the people of north central North Carolina and Southside Virginia.   As a Duke LifePoint Hospital, Maria Parham offers a combination of Duke University Health System’s unparalleled expertise in clinical excellence and quality care, and LifePoint Hospital’s extensive resources, knowledge and experience in operating community hospitals.  Maria Parham offers a wide range of services and the latest technology to meet the healthcare needs of the community. It is fully accredited by The Joint Commission and CMS. For more information about Maria Parham Medical Center, please call (252) 436-1800 or visit www.mariaparham.com.