Haven Hospice recently performed special recognition ceremonies for two patients who served in World War II.
The first was Hazel Womble, a 106-year-old World War II veteran. Haven’s St. Augustine team recognized her military service as well as her nursing service, as Ms. Womble had an extensive career in nursing and nurse education after her military service. As a civilian, she helped create the licensed nurse practitioner program at Chipola College in Mariana County and was also a founding faculty member at the Florida State College of Jacksonville nursing school.
For the nurse recognition, Haven Director of Clinical Operations Shannon Spencer presented Ms. Womble with a nightingale pin, a nurse challenge coin and a nightingale lamp as she read a poem. The recognition ceremony was performed by all-female Haven Hospice staff in recognition of Ms. Womble’s history as a trailblazer. This included bereavement counselors, social workers, patient care representative and volunteer coordinators.
Haven Volunteer Coordinators Jasmine Mendez and Pricilla Williams personally thanked Ms. Womble for creating paths for women in the workplace and Pricilla and Social Worker Jennie Lyons thanked her for paving the way for women in the military, as they are also veterans.
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- A photo of 106-year-old Hazel Womble is present at her veteran recognition ceremony.
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- Ms. Womble poses with Haven team members.
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- Haven Hospice Volunteer Coordinator Pricilla Williams and Social Worker Jennie Lyons, both veterans, pose with Ms. Womble after her recognition ceremony.
The second recognition ceremony was for 101-year-old Merle “Russ” Lilley. Mr. Lilley entered Junior Reserve Officers Training Courses in high school, continued his military education through Army Aviation Cadet School and became a pilot in the United States Army Air Force. After earning an exceptionally high score on his pilot school test, Mr. Lilley was offered the opportunity to fly the B-29 Bomber, an aircraft that represented technological achievements of the time, and was attached to the 93rd Bomb Squadron for two decades in an active duty and reserve capacity.
Mr. Lilley and his family lived in Guam during his military career. He and his wife Betty were married for seven decades and have three daughters, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.
Haven Hospice celebrated Mr. Lilley in partnership with The Village at Gainesville. Many Haven team members were present to recognize Mr. Lilley, as they have formed special bonds with him in his years on Haven’s Transitions, palliative care, and hospice care programs.
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- Merle “Russ” Lilley receives a salute in honor of his service in the United States military as a fighter pilot.
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- A photo of Merle “Russ” Lilley in his years of service.
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- Haven Hospice team members and volunteers pose with Mr. Lilley (pictured right in red wheelchair) at his veteran recognition service at The Village of Gainesville.
We salute these two veterans– who have lived through the Great Depression, wars, profound change, and more– for their service to the United States.