The Living Tribute
Honoring the Living
The North Carolina Nurse Honor Guard also provides a service called "The Living Tribute" to fellow nurses in their final days of life or those over the age of 80 who request to be honored. We count it a blessing to be able to serve those nurses who have spent countless hours paving the foundation of values that are still exemplified today~~compassion, respect, integrity, and a committement to serve. Grounded in empathy and dedication to healing nursing combines knowledge with human connection, fostering trust and promoting the well being of those they serve.
Dr James Sanders, a 1947 graduate of the Citadel, also a graduate from MUSC with a Doctorate in Medicine in 1952, He served in the US Air Force near the end of the Korean war. After the warn he continued his practice making house calls until retiring in 2004. A service celebrating his life and career was held June 27, 2023.
Marie Oakes RN was a member of the NCNHG. Her nightingale lamp was lit June 6, 1972 signifying the beginning of her career and she retired in November of 2022 working in many areas but her passion was in psychiatric nursing. A celebration of her life and career was held September 6, 2023.
Lisa Benton RN was a nurse for over 30+ years serving patients and families at UNC Health Caldwell as a Med-Surg nurse. Pictured here are members of the NCNHG and a staff member at the hospice house where he celebration of life and career was held on September 11, 2024. Over 25 of her nursing friends and co-workers were in attendance.
Nurse...
Steady movements, swift and sure,
holding the weight of all you endure~
Hands that check with a gentle touch, that voice that will explain so much~
Through years of shift work, strife and strain, heaven's work was yours to gain~
Battling sickness, comforting pain. Your small acts of kindness were never in vain~
In weary hallways, keeping a steady pace, offering hope in a trying space~
Giving care that helped them heal,
or a hand of comfort as you would kneel~
Remembered not by the years you gave, but by the precious lives you would save~
The calming touch, the silent watch, the knowing glance that would show you so much~
A gentle push as they were healing or the still small hand as they were leaving~
From bedside vigil to the teaching role, You left your legacy to heal the soul~
The final shift, as you walked out gave quiet courage and removed all doubt~
Your work is never done, for the mark you left has made us one~"the dash" is marked by your career, your legacy.
~Celeste Burt RN~
Pat Coehrich RN, Certified Nurse Midwife. Serving as a nurse midwife she delivered over 1000 babies in her career. A celebration of her life and career was held August 12, 2023.
Ellen Reed RN, MSN, MBA, PMHCNS-BC served 52 years as a nurse both at the bedside and in administrative positions. She was an advocate for higher education. She was also a published author. A celebration of her life and career was held August 3, 2024.
Brenda Gail Nesbitt LPN was a dedicated geriatric nurse. She graduated in the 80's with her diploma as an LPN. Her heart was in geriatrics where she spent most of her career. A celebration of her life and career was held July 31, 2025
Dorothy Managun, US army 2nd Lt. RN, MSN, serving as an army nurse taking care of POW's returning from Japanese prisons in 1945. A Celebration of her life and career was held May 24, 2025
Carol Bennetti RN, BSN, MSW a
1969 graduate of University of KY. She worked with the program Dr's without Borders travellig to Rwanda. Also a self published author. A Celebration of her life and career was held November 17, 2025.