During the Service First ceremony held on Tuesday, Feb. 7 for Shared Services, the stories told about the nine nominees held a common thread. Far beyond Baptist borders, this group of individuals represented the best of quiet care taking, inspired only by the idea of giving someone else joy or support.
When the Baptist OneCare team suddenly lost Baptist team member Kirk Holland, his colleagues momentarily were at a loss as to what to do. Chris Altendorf took the lead in the department, comforting while leading everyone through the situation. In another case, Richard Fudge, senior artist in Corporate Communications, painted small rocks with inspirational, encouraging messages and placed them around town as part of 901 Rocks! and in support of the Kemmons Wilson Family Center for Good Grief.
While department leaders recognized each nominee’s story, Baptist President and CEO Jason Little held the honor of announcing the winner, Willette Campbell, a paralegal in Corporate Claims. Willette was recognized for her enduring commitment to former Baptist team member Lynn Layton, who died in 2011 of leukemia. With no family to support her during her illness and final days, Willette assumed the responsibility, helping her with everything from appointments to visiting her regularly at Baptist Memphis. At Corporate, Willette participated in blood drives, encouraging others to give and donating her time. Her friendship, love and faith, a quiet tribute to Lynn, earned public acclaim with her Service First award.
