Nurses Honor Guard of East Central Alabama

Home
United States
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.

02/19/2026

We got a very last minute request for a tribute tomorrow in Phenix City (Vance Brooks Funeral Home, 2pm eastern/1pm central) and only have 2 nurses able to attend on short notice. If any nurses have been thinking about attending a tribute to see what it's about, tomorrow would be a great time to jump in. There will be 2 members who have attended many tributes who will be able to walk you through it. Please spread the word to your nurse friends!

CALL TO SERVICE: Mary Ann Howard

Mary Ann was a nurse for 45 years and was well known for her love and devotion to her patients. Her desire to work with oncology patients developed after the loss off her teenage granddaughter to leukemia.

Service will be tomorrow February 19 at 2pm eastern/1pm central at Vance Brooks Funeral Home in Phenix City, AL. Please respond if you are able to attend.

02/12/2026

The East Central Alabama Nurses Honor Guard proudly represented alongside the Nurse Honor Guard of West Alabama at Nurses Day at the Capital on February 3. It was a meaningful day of advocacy, connection, and sharing the heart behind our mission.

NHGECA Founder, Amanda Simmons, had the honor of speaking to a full conference room of nurses and nursing students at the Parsons Building, helping spread awareness of our mission and the importance of honoring our colleagues. She also met with several legislators to discuss increasing awareness of the Nurse Honor Guard and exploring additional ways we can serve and give back to our communities beyond honoring our fallen nurses. These conversations opened the door to future partnerships and new opportunities to support both the nursing profession and the communities we care for every day.

We are grateful for the opportunity to advocate for a cause that ensures no nurse is ever forgotten.

02/07/2026

On Sunday February 1, 2026, the Nurses Honor Guard of East Central Alabama had the honor of paying tribute to Dottie Richburg RN at Lake Martin Funeral Home and Cremation Center.

Dottie graduated from the University of South Alabama in 1987 and built a remarkable career that reflected both her skill and her heart. Dottie worked as a traveling nurse for much of her career, serving patients in many communities and quickly becoming a trusted presence wherever she served. She also brought her talents to psychiatric nursing and emergency departments, meeting people at their most vulnerable moments. Even near the end of her life, Dottie continued doing what she loved, working one day a week at Community Hospital in Tallassee, because nursing was never just a job—it was part of who she was.

Dottie was a nurse in the truest sense of the word—compassionate and deeply devoted to caring for others. Dottie was fun-loving and outgoing with an unforgettable laugh. With her expressions often speaking before her words, she was known for her unfiltered honesty. Patients and coworkers felt at ease with her, knowing they were in capable, caring hands. She had a natural gift for conversation and connection, forming bonds quickly and leaving lasting impressions wherever she worked.

Caring for others extended beyond her profession. Dottie's loyalty, sense of responsibility, and strength defined her life and her nursing practice. Dottie was deeply loved and will be deeply missed, but her legacy lives on through the countless lives she touched with her compassion, honesty, and unwavering care.

Dottie Richburg RN, we officially release you from your nursing duties. Your service is complete. We will proudly continue to carry the torch.

🕊️

Nightingale Tribute Leader: Pooie Cantrell RN
Guard members: Nelda Bell RN, Mary Beth Childree RN, Leslie Phillips RN

02/02/2026

This was amazing. I did not know about the nurses honor guard. Wonderful ladies and very emotional and moving ceremony

01/25/2026

On Friday, January 23rd, 2025, the Nurses Honor Guard of East Central Alabama had the privilege of honoring the life and legacy of Tonya Kirby RN at Quattlebaum Funeral Home in Roanoke, AL.

Tonya served the field of nursing for over 20 years. Most of her years were spent at EAMC caring for patients on 4T renal, then on 7T. She also did some home health nursing. She was a vibrant, loving, and hilarious woman whose time spent as a nurse touched many lives.

Tonya was the kind of nurse who made people feel at ease the moment she walked into a room. She cared deeply for her patients with a soft heart, always taking the time to listen and and understand.

She brought warmth and light wherever she went. Not only did she have a sense of humor that could ease even the heaviest moments, she never missed an opportunity to share a laugh with friends or coworkers. Her kindness was effortless and her compassion sincere, which made her presence unforgettable.

To those who knew her as a colleague, she was a dependable nurse and a loyal friend. To those who were lucky enough to be cared for by her, she was a source of reassurance and comfort during vulnerable moments. Her impact lives on in the countless lives she touched, the smiles she created, and the love she gave so freely.

She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever held in the hearts of everyone who cherished her.

Tonya Kirby RN, we officially release you from your nursing duties. Your service is complete. We will proudly continue to carry the torch.

🕊️

Nightingale Tribute Leader: Nelda Bell RN
Guard members: Mary Beth Childree RN, Jennifer Roberts RN, Leslie Phillips RN, and Stephanie Evans RN (honorary).

01/22/2026

If any nurses (RN or LPN) have been thinking about participating in tributes with the honor guard, now is a great time to see how meaningful of an experience it can be.

We will be performing a Nightingale Tribute tomorrow at Quattlebaum Funeral Home in Roanoke, AL for Tonya Kirby RN. If any nurses could help show her family some love and support, please reach out! We have extra uniform items you can borrow!

01/20/2026

In the past several months, we have had the honor of paying tribute to nurses who dedicated their lives to caring for others. It has been a privilege to provide Nightingale Tributes for these very deserving nurses.

At this time, our stock of some of the items needed for these tributes is depleted, to the point that a substantial stock of porcelain Nightingale lamps and white roses has been lovingly purchased by our own members. Each tribute averages about $50 and includes a porcelain Nightingale lamp, 2 silk white roses, a placard, and a commemorative coin—small symbols meant to reflect a lifetime of service.

As we continue this work, we humbly welcome support from those who believe in our mission. As a 501(c)(3) organization, we are able to provide documentation for tax-deductible donations upon request.

Thank you for your continued encouragement, kindness, and for helping us ensure that every nurse is remembered and honored.

🤍

https://cash.app/$NHGECA

https://venmo.com/code?user_id=3996497217587050783

https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/JMVYZ3BFTQ224

01/19/2026

On Saturday January 17, 2026, the Nurses Honor Guard of East Central Alabama had the privilege of honoring Aquarius Shay Chappelle RN with a Nightingale Tribute.

Shay’s path in healthcare began in her hometown, where she attended Edward Bell High School before graduating from Dadeville High School in 2013. She continued her education at Central Alabama Community College, earning an Associate Degree in General Studies in 2015. With a growing passion for nursing, she transferred to Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM) and later to Fortis College, where she completed her Associate Degree in Nursing in 2018. Her dedication to learning and her commitment to patient care laid the foundation for a remarkable nursing career.

Shay began her nursing journey at Arbor Springs in 2019, gaining valuable hands-on experience before joining East Alabama Medical Center in 2020. She served as a Medical-Surgical Renal Nurse from 2020 to 2022, providing compassionate, steady care during the height of the pandemic. In 2022, she transitioned to the Medical-Surgical/Orthopedic/Post-Acute Stroke Unit, where she continued to excel in complex patient care and support her team with grace and resilience.

Shay’s leadership qualities quickly became evident. She served as a mentor in the Apprenticeship Program in 2022, guiding new nurses with patience, skill, and encouragement. Her impact was recognized when she was voted Mentor of the Month in 2024 and featured as Employee Floor Spotlight of the Month that same year.

In 2024, Shay advanced into the role of Charge Nurse, a testament to her clinical excellence, steady leadership, and ability to inspire those around her. Her colleagues further honored her by voting her Favorite Employee during Hospital Week in 2025, reflecting the deep respect and admiration she earned throughout the organization.

One of the most meaningful recognitions of her career came in 2025, when Shay was nominated for and won the International Nursing Daisy Award, celebrating her extraordinary compassion, dedication, and the countless lives she touched.

On January 7, 2026, Shay transitioned home, leaving behind a legacy defined by kindness, service, and unwavering commitment to others. She is remembered not only for her professional excellence but for her warm spirit, her generosity, and the way she made people feel seen, supported, and cared for. Her impact lives on in the patients she served, the colleagues she uplifted, and the many nurses she inspired along the way.

Aquarius Shay Chappelle, RN, we officially release you from your nursing duties. Your service is complete. We will proudly continue to carry the torch.

🕊️

Nightingale Tribute Leader: Pooie Cantrell RN
Guard Members: Lori Butler RN, Nelda Bell RN, Chris Taylor RN, and Celeste Gaddis RN, BSN

01/17/2026

‼️PLEASE SHARE‼️

The Nurses Honor Guard of East Central Alabama is looking for family of an Auburn-interred military nurse. Ideally the family members will reside locally in Auburn as well.

We would like to honor another veteran nurse with a Nightingale tribute during a special ceremony in May hosted by the City of Auburn.

If you are a family member or have information that could help us make contact, please reach out!

Help us honor a life of service to both country and community. 🇺🇸🩺

Call or text:
334-728-1822
Email: Amanda@NHGEastCentralAlabama.org
Or comment/message us here

01/15/2026

We are honored and grateful to have the Nurses Honor Guard of East Central Alabama featured on the front page of the Tuskegee News on December 11, 2025.

A sincere thank-you to The Tuskegee News for shining a light on our organization and helping us share our mission with the community. Your support helps us raise awareness and continue our commitment to honoring nurses who have dedicated their lives to caring for others.
Because of partnerships like this, we can keep moving forward in our mission: .

10/24/2025

🎉 Come See Us at the Loachapoka Syrup Sopping Festival! 🎉

Stop by the Nurses Honor Guard of East Central Alabama booth this Saturday, October 25 for a day of fun, community, and your chance to win great raffle prizes! 🎟✨

We’re holding TWO exciting raffles:
📺 Vizio 50” 4K UHD LED HDR Smart TV
💫 Eyelash Service by Travel Lashes by Kayla (Full set of lashes any style and free lash care kit)

🎟 Tickets are $5 each per raffle — you can enter one, the other, or both for double the chances to win!
🏆 Winners will be announced at the end of the day Saturday!

Your support helps our local 501(c)(3) nonprofit continue honoring nurses with the Nightingale Tribute, ensuring every nurse is recognized for their years of compassion, dedication, and service. 💙

Come by to purchase tickets and find out more about our work towards our mission: No Nurse Forgotten. 🌟

10/17/2025

‼️Thank you to Jeffcoat Trant Funeral Home ‼️

We are deeply grateful to Jeffcoat Trant Funeral Home & Crematory of Opelika for their incredible generosity in covering the entire cost of our new informational pamphlets — approximately 4,000 in total!

These pamphlets will allow the Nurses Honor Guard of East Central Alabama to reach more people who may not yet know about our mission and the tributes we provide to honor our fellow nurses gone before us.

Thanks to Jeffcoat-Trant’s support, we can continue sharing our message of remembrance and respect for those who have devoted their lives to caring for others. With such generous support, we are better able to strive toward our mission: No Nurse Forgotten.

🕯️🤍🕊️

Address

Opelika
Opelika, AL
36801

Telephone

+13347281822

Website

http://www.nhgeastcentralalabama.org/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Nurses Honor Guard of East Central Alabama posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to Nurses Honor Guard of East Central Alabama:

Shortcuts

Want your practice to be the top-listed Clinic in Opelika?