Baptist Reynolds Hospice House and Baptist Trinity Home Care and Hospice hosted the 15th annual Celebration of Life service on Thursday, Dec 4 to honor loved ones who have passed. Some participants gave memorial gifts to the Baptist Memorial Health Care Foundation Hospice House Fund, which provides more than $250,000 annually in financial assistance to those who do not have the means to afford room and board at Baptist Reynolds Hospice House.
Throughout December, thousands of twinkling white lights will illuminate the hospice house and Christmas tree as a memorial to loved ones. The holiday decorations this year also include an additional 15 trees and memorial luminaries lit in observance of the 15th anniversary of Baptist Reynolds Hospice House.
The Youth Choir led by Jessica King provided gathering and reception music during the ceremony. Rod Robinson, division president of operations for Hospice South, LHC Group Inc., and Robbie Johnson, VP/chief development officer for Baptist, provided words of welcome. Tiffany McClung, bereavement coordinator for Baptist Reynolds Hospice House, offered a prayer.
Dolores Flagg, bereavement coordinator for Baptist Trinity Home Care and Hospice, introduced the reading of names of loved ones lost along with the ringing of a bell after each name. After the last name was called, the bell rang 15 times in honor of all families served in the last 15 years.
Wes Brown, chaplain of Baptist Reynolds Hospice House, and Matthew Bowles, chaplain of Baptist Trinity Home Care and Hospice, spoke to families.
Family members sang the first and last verses of “Silent Night, Holy Night” while enjoying the holiday lights. Dewayne Douglas, bereavement coordinator for Baptist Trinity Home Care and Hospice, addressed the families, and McClung offered the benediction. The event concluded with families enjoying refreshments and fellowship.
