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Nurses Honor Guard of East Central Alabama

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Opelika, AL
Nurses Honor Guard of East Central Alabama

We perform Nightingale Tributes at funerals of nurses who have passed to honor them for their years of service and dedication to the nursing profession.

We are a nonprofit organization with 501c3 status and we perform tributes at no cost to families.

07/23/2025

If anyone is able to help out in one of our counties without an honor guard chapter, please reach out. Please tell your nurse colleagues in other areas as well!

07/22/2025

On Thursday July 17, 2025 the Nurses Honor Guard of East Central Alabama had the privilege of honoring the life, service, and legacy of our fellow nurse, Vickie Rigsby, RN at Jeffcoat Trant Funeral Home.

Vickie's journey into nursing began after she chose to return to school after working at Ampex, pursuing a degree in Applied Science from Southern Union. Her academic excellence earned her recognition as a member of Phi Theta Kappa, and in 1993, she fulfilled her dream by earning her Registered Nursing License.

Vickie’s nursing career was one of service, heart, and resilience. She served patients at East Alabama Medical Center, brought comfort to families through East Alabama Hospice, and supported those in need of ongoing care at Fresenius Dialysis. In each role, she gave not only her skills and knowledge, but her warmth and her heart.

Vickie's strength was quiet but steady, and her spirit unshakable. She loved her work. She loved people. She lived life to the fullest—always ready for a road trip, always eager to share laughter and memories with those she loved.

Vickie's legacy of service will live on in the lives she touched, the families she comforted, and the colleagues who walked beside her.

Vickie Rigsby RN, we officially release you from your nursing duties. We will proudly continue to carry the torch.

🕊️

Nightingale Tribute Leader: Pooie Cantrell RN
Guard Members: Christine Taylor RN, Penny Popwell RN, Jennifer Striblin RN

07/02/2025

On Saturday, June 28, 2025, the Nurses Honor Guard of East Central Alabama had the honor of presenting a well-deserved nursing retirement tribute to Pooie Cantrell RN.

Pooie graduated from Southern Union Community College, School of Nursing, in 1993. From that point forward, she set the standard for what it means to be a compassionate, skilled, and dependable nurse. Over her 32 year career, her commitment to excellence has never wavered.

She began her nursing journey in the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit at East Alabama Medical Center, where she spent 17 years caring for critically ill patients. She then served the remainder of her career in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit. No matter the setting, Pooie’s presence brought comfort and reassurance to patients and their loved ones.

In recognition of her exemplary nursing care, Pooie was honored with the Daisy Award for Extraordinary Nurses, a testament to the countless lives she touched with her kindness and skill. Her legacy of compassion was probably most evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, when she was part of the courageous team that opened and staffed an additional ICU four separate times to meet the surge of patients in need. In those unprecedented days, Pooie led by example, demonstrating the very best of what it means to be a nurse.

Her career has been defined not only by her professional accomplishments but also by the warmth, humor, and generosity of spirit she shared with everyone fortunate enough to work beside her.

Pooie gave comfort where there was pain,
Courage where there was fear,
Hope where there was despair, and
Acceptance when the end was near;
Always with a gentle touch and tenderness,
patience and love.
This is Pooie's nursing legacy.

As she embarks on this well-earned new chapter, we celebrate Pooie’s extraordinary contributions to nursing, her commitment to her patients, and the inspiration she has given to all of us.

Thank you, Pooie, for a lifetime of service, compassion, and excellence. You have made a difference that will never be forgotten.

Tribute Leader: Amanda Simmons RN
Guard members: Genie Bocek RN BSN, Shari Busby RN, Lea Howell RN, Christine Taylor RN, Joyce Forehand RN, Pam Knudson RN, Lori Butler RN, Nelda Bell RN

06/26/2025

Nurse Honor Guard of West Alabama Scholarship Application
Instructions: Please fill out this application form completely and submit it along with the required documents to the address or email listed below.
• Applications will be accepted between January 1, 2025 – May 12, 2025. The application time has been extended to July 15th with and additional opportunity with a deadline for October 15th.

06/26/2025

The Nurse Honor Guard of West Alabama has partnered with Jason‘s deli to assist us with our fundraising efforts to support our mission.

Please come out and support on Tuesday, July 22nd!!!!

06/26/2025

✨ Updated Alabama Nurse Honor Guards Coverage Map ✨

We are proud to share our newly updated coverage map — with over 71% of Alabama now served by dedicated Nurse Honor Guard chapters.

If you are a nurse interested in volunteering with an established chapter, we encourage you to connect with your local guard. For nurses who feel called to start a chapter in an area without current coverage, please reach out to Amanda Simmons, Alabama State Lead Coordinator of Nurse Honor Guards.

It’s truly inspiring to witness so many nurse volunteers generously giving their time and hearts to help us fulfill our mission:

No Nurse Forgotten.

🕊️

06/26/2025

Please click the link to complete this form.

06/15/2025

On Wednesday, June 4, 2025, the Nurses Honor Guard of East Central Alabama had the privilege of honoring the life and legacy of Rita Lashley, RN.

Rita Lashley graduated from Baptist Southern Nursing School in 1968 and dedicated her life to the nursing profession. Her years of service spanned several institutions, including Dadeville Hospital, Baptist Medical Center in Montgomery, Bill Nichols State Veterans Home, and Chapman’s Nursing Home. Wherever she served, Rita brought compassion, strength, and an unwavering commitment to patient care.

Beyond her clinical excellence, Rita was a devoted mentor and teacher. She taught CNA classes at multiple facilities, nurturing the next generation of caregivers with patience, encouragement, and a genuine passion for the art of caregiving. She made every new nurse feel welcomed, valued, and capable—helping to instill confidence and purpose in those just beginning their nursing journeys.

Rita was a cornerstone in every setting she touched -- the voice of wisdom in uncertain moments, and the heart that reminded others why they chose to care in the first place.

Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched: the patients she comforted, the colleagues she uplifted, and the students she inspired. May her spirit and deep compassion continue to echo in the hands and hearts of all who were fortunate enough to learn from her.

Rita Lashley RN, we officially release you of your nursing duties, and we will proudly continue to carry the torch.

🕊️

Nightingale Tribute leader: Pooie Cantrell RN
Participants: Nelda Bell RN, Celeste Gaddis RN

05/28/2025

The Nurses Honor Guard of East Central Alabama had the distinct privilege of honoring Minnie Holtam Moore, a courageous and pioneering World War I nurse, during the 25th Annual Memorial Day Breakfast hosted by Auburn Mayor Ron Anders, Jr., at the Auburn Hotel and Conference Center.

Born October 22, 1889, in Morvin, Clarke County, Alabama, Minnie Holtam Moore devoted her life to the service of others. A graduate of Louisville City Hospital Training School in Kentucky in 1912, she first served as a Navy nurse in 1914. Although initially unable to serve overseas, her unwavering dedication to care for American servicemembers led her to join the American Red Cross Nursing Service. She was soon assigned to the Army Nurse Corps, where her aspiration of treating troops abroad was finally fulfilled.

In May 1918, Minnie sailed aboard the Justicia as part of a replacement unit for Base Hospital #21, serving in France with valor and distinction. Her wartime service included assignments at Base Hospital 21, Camp Hospital #38, and the Nurses’ Demobilization Station in New York, concluding with her honorable discharge in June 1919. Her devotion to duty during a time of profound global crisis stands as a testament to the bravery and compassion of nurses who served on the front lines of care.

Minnie Holtam Moore, we officially release you from your nursing duties. Your legacy lives on in the hands and hearts of those who follow. We will proudly continue to carry the torch.

🕊️

It was a great privilege for the Nurses Honor Guard of East Central Alabama to offer the Nightingale Tribute in Minnie's memory. Pooie Cantrell RN led the tribute, herself an Army veteran, and was joined by Shari Busby RN, Lea Howell RN, and Amanda Simmons RN.

To accept the Nightingale Lamp, honorary coin, and white roses in honor of Minnie's legacy were Minnie's granddaughter, Joy Bowles, grandson Andy Moore and his wife, Donna, along with Minnie's great-grandson, David Norman.

We extend our deepest appreciation to the Auburn Veterans Committee for allowing us the honor of participating in this meaningful remembrance of Minnie Holtam Moore. We also extend our sincere gratitude to Jean Shulman, Volunteer Nurse Historian with the American Red Cross, whose invaluable research brought Minnie's remarkable story to life.

As a 501c3 nonprofit organization, we are sincerely grateful for every donation we receive. Generous support from the public allows us to continue our mission: . Donation receipts for tax purposes are available upon request.

For more information about the Nurses Honor Guard of East Central Alabama, to request a tribute, or for information about starting a nurse honor guard chapter in an Alabama county without coverage, please contact Amanda Simmons:

334-728-1822
Amanda@nhgeastcentralalabama.org
nhgeastcentralalabama.org

Address

Opelika, AL
36801

Telephone

+13347281822

Website

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