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EXCELLENCE IN END-OF-LIFE CARE

The Willow Award was created to recognize end-of-life caregivers who provided exceptional compassionate care in someone's end-of-life journey. YOU have the opportunity to share the story of why this caregiver deserves to be recognized in Central Arkansas!

Brandi Fairchild, RN
Elite Hospice - Hot Springs, Arkansas

December / 2024 Willow Award Honoree

"Brandi's is truly an award-winning caregiver in our hearts."

-Tammy Caldwell

We honored Brandi Fairchild, RN at Elite Hospice in Hot Springs on December 18, 2024. Here is an excerpt from her nomination letter: For six years my father was my mother's only caregiver because my brother lives in Texas, and I live in Mississippi. Whenever we visited, we did our best to help, but my father remained devoted to my mother’s care. When Brandi came into our lives through Elite Hospice, her kind and selfless spirit immediately eased my father’s worries. For the first time in years, he was able to rest easier, knowing my mother was in good hands.

Nomination Letter

George Nunez, CNA

Spring Creek Nursing and Rehab - Cabot

October / 2024 Willow Award Honoree

"George's compassion and care for my father was amazing!"

-Keith Brickell

We honored George Nunez, CNA at Spring Creek Nursing and Rehab on October 10, 2024. He was nominated by Keith Brickell for the care and compassion he showed during the final days with his father, George Brickell. My father had Alzheimer’s, which made it difficult to carry on a conversation, but Mr. Nunez spent countless hours with my father doing anything he could to make things better. Most importantly he spent time with him. The day my father died, George was off work but came to check on him as he knew death was near. His compassion and genuine care for my father was amazing!

Nomination Letter

Sarah Rogers, RN

John L. McClellan Veteran's Hospital - Hospice Unit

September / 2024 Willow Award Honoree

"Sarah took care of my Dad, but she also took care of our family."

-Stacy Brady

On September 4, we honored Sarah Rogers, RN with the John McClellan Veteran's Hospital with a Willow Award. Sarah and the entire team take care of patient's quality of life in such an honorable way. They surrounded us with ove in the hardest time of our life. Please take time to read the nomination letter below, submitted by Stacy Brady, daughter of CJ Bryant, Korean War Veteran - Air Force.

Nomination Letter

"They love our veterans on to their eternal home."

- Chrissy Matthews

Chrissy Matthews took time to heal after two very painful losses in 2023, losing her stepmom three weeks prior to losing her father, David Johnson to cancer. She was extremely exhausted and had her defenses up knowing that the end was close. Not only did they love me through it all, but they loved my Daddy through it also. They made sure we were both comfortable and had everything we needed and more. They always made Daddy feel like he was important. Hospice is not just nursing, it is a calling - a ministry.

Nomination Letter

Rosa Perez, OM

August / 2024 Willow Award Honoree

Pleasant Hill Adult Daycare, Bryant

Rosa was Amy Scivally's hero and a hero to the entire family through the end.

“"Rosa knew how much Amy loved Reba McEntire. There was a Reba concert coming to Simmons Arena. And Rosa took Amy to that concert in a wheelchair. She really had a job taking her, but it did not matter."”


On August 6, 2024 we honored Rosa Perez, OM with Pleasant Hills Adult Daycare in Bryant. She was suprised to see all her colleagues and family at the facility when she arrived for the "special" meeting." Caregivers like Rosa never expect to be honored for the work they do, so it always touches our souls to watch them come to the realization that we are talking about them.


Amy Scivally was diagnosed with Niemann Pick disease at a young age and fought for many years. Rosa took special interest in Amy and was her advocate in anything that concerned her care. She brought Amy into her life and family, and they brought Rosa into the Scivally family also. Amy passed in January of 2024, but the family will never forget Rosa and her kindness.

Nomination Letter

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Shannon Smith, Care Coordinator

July / 2024 Willow Award Honorees

Integrity Incorporated, Little Rock

Shannon's special relationship with Larry was a true blessing!

“It is important to note that Shannon is not and never was an end-of-life caregiver. She did not sign up for that. But she fulfilled that role to the fullest and we cannot imagine this journey without her.”


July 24, 2024 was a day to remember! We honored Shannon Smith with Integrity, Inc. out of Little Rock for her decades-worth of work with “Little Larry” Cates. Shannon came into their lives in 2008 and has been a part of their family ever since. After Little Larry’s unexpected passing in January, his family couldn’t think of a more deserving honor than to nominate Shannon for the Willow Award. Surrounded by her Integrity team, the Cates family, and the Willow Award team, Shannon received her award!

Nomination Letter

Alisha Ryan and Lisa Roberts

June / 2024 Willow Award Honorees

Baptist Health Hospice, Little Rock, Arkansas

"They were a bright shining light in my mother's final days."

"Alisha Ryan was my mother's first caregiver and also her last. She was comfortable in her role and somehow managed to make light of it all. Lisa Roberts was no nonsense, and calmly worked to give her options and keep her comfortable. She handled everything with grace. The team of Alisha and Lisa were invaluable and made my mother feel accepted and valued."

- Lynda Englehart

Nomination Letter

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    • Sammie Wright and Donna Hayden

    May / 2024 Willow Award Honorees

    Independent Care Team, Hot Springs, Arkansas

    "Our lives are more full of love because of Mimi"

    "Sammie Wright and Donna Hayden became invaluable caregivers for my late mother, Elfreda Owens, and quickly grew to be cherished members of our family. Throughout her journey with dementia, marked by combativeness, depression, confusion, and sadness, Sammie and Donna remained steadfast in their compassionate and expert care. Their unwavering dedication and love make them truly deserving of the Willow Award."

    - Jo Cochran

    Nomination Letter

    Mendy Barnes

    April / 2024 Willow Award Honoree

    Gentiva Retirement Care, Little Rock

    She just let me be "Daddy's Girl" one last time!

    She said these very thoughtful words to me, “Just be his daughter right now in this very moment, not his caregiver, because I will be that for him.” In those very precious moments with my Dad, I talked to him, I held him in my arms, and I was his daughter, getting to enjoy just being there for him - the way that I needed and wanted it to be.

    Mendy's Nomination Letter

    Tina Robbins

    Q1 / 2024 Willow Award Honoree

    Arkansas Hospice, North Little Rock

    She is so passionate about her patients. She truly cares!

    Tina was surprised by her peers at an event on Thursday, March 21 at the Arkansas Hospice location in North Little Rock. Being a caregiver is so much more than a job, it's a calling. We are so proud to call Tina a Willow Award honoree.

    Tina's Nomination Letter

    Curtis Felps

    Q1 / 2024 Willow Award Honoree

    Nominated by: Judy Smith and the Family of Gene Powell Smith

    "Curtis came into our lives and turned out to be an angel sent by God." 

    "Curtis genuinely cared for Gene and me and became an important part of our team. He has a huge heart that included patience and love, and we can never thank him enough."

    JUDY SMITH


    Curtis Felp's Nomination Letter

    Reva Martin, BSN, Clinical Specialist for L&D

    Q4 / 2023 Willow Award Honoree

    UAMS, Little Rock

    "She went to our lowest points with us as though she was made to do that very thing." 

    Reva Martin, a nurse of extraordinary empathy, provides invaluable support to families in crisis. Our sincere thanks to the Billingsleys for recognizing her exceptional dedication.

    Reva's Nomination Letter

    Chris Straschinske, EMT

    Q4 / 2023 Willow Award Honoree

    MEMS, Little Rock

    We use the saying "It is not our emergency". But this saying no longer fit us.
    Chris stepped up and said, "You will not be alone."

    Chris Straschinske's exceptional compassion and support for her colleague during a challenging time were truly remarkable. Upon receiving the nomination letter, it was evident that she embodies the values deserving of the prestigious Willow Award.

    Chris' Nomination Letters

    Hospice Comfort Homecare Center Team

    Q4 / 2023 Willow Award Honorees

    Little Rock

    A calling with a purpose.

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    We are proud to honor the Hospice Homecare Team with a Willow Award for exceptional end-of-life care. Congratulations!

    On September 6, 2023 we surprised the Hospice Homecare Comfort Care Center Team in Little Rock during their staff meeting to award the entire team with a Willow Award for exceptional end-of-life care. The team was nominated by Laura Wyrens, the daughter of the late Mr. Donald Gassaway. Traditionally, we honor a person, but in the words of Ms. Wyrens, "After my experience at Hospice Homecare, I simply cannot identify one specific individual to recognize as the entire team was simply amazing."


    Laura's Nomination Letter

    Sarah Arnold, LPN

    Q3 / 2023 Willow Award Honoree

    Baptist Health Hospice, Little Rock

    You are my special angel!

    • The Charles Holley Family

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    Jeff Smith and Jodie McGinley of Smith Family Funeral Homes with Sarah Arnold and the Holley family.

    Nomination Letter

    Montinque (Monte) Gillespie, CNA

    Q2 / 2023 Willow Award Honoree

    The Manor Senior Living Community - Little Rock

    Monte Gillespie, CNA at The Manor Senior Living Center was honored with a Willow Award on Monday, June 5, 2023. We surprised her in a meeting with a group of her peers. The family of Rose Stramel (1947-2023) submitted the nomination letter describing the exceptional care Monte showed to their mother and their entire family during a very hard time. "She took a situation that was unpleasant and hard and made it comfortable and accepting," said Mary Russell.

    Monte's Nomination Letter

    "It's nothing but a gift from God when someone can do such things."

    • Mary Russell, daughter of Rose Strammel submitted the nomination letter for Monte. Show here (L-R): Jimmy Russell, Mary Russell, and Tim Stamel.

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    From L-R: Jimmy Russell, Mary Russell and Tim Stramel.

    Karly Brooks, R.N.

    Q2 / 2023 Willow Award Honoree

    Arkansas Children's Hospital - Little Rock

    Karly Brooks, R.N. at Arkansas Children's Hematology was honored at an event at the hospital on Monday, April 3, 2023. We surprised her in a meeting with a group of her peers to honor her and read the nomination letter sent in by the Britton Family, about the exceptional care and love she showed their son, Gus Britton, during the 3 years prior to his passing. He chose her, and she reciprocated. Congratulations, Karly!

    "Steadfast and Resilient: Always bringing the same joyous energy into his hospital room."

    Karly's Nomination Letter

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    • Audrey Booker, CNA

    Q1 / 2023 Willow Award Honoree

    Hospice Home Care - Hot Springs

    Audrey Booker, CNA at Hospice Home Care in Hot Springs was honored at an event in her office on Thursday, February 16. She was surprised to find out that the Davenport family nominated her for the exceptional care she showed their family as she provided care for Mrs. Davenport during her last days. We congratulate Audrey for her honor and for being an exceptional caregiver.

    Audrey's Nomination Letter

    "When Words Failed Her, Actions Spoke."





    MaKayla McBryde, RN, the first Willow Award Recipient

    Baptist Health Medical Center - North

    On November 17, 2022 we celebrated our first Willow Award honoree, MaKayla McBryde, RN. She was nominated by the Kelley Family for the exceptional end-of-life care she provided for their elderly mother. The family felt MaKayla went above and beyond traditional care to help their mother feel safe and comfortable during her last days. Congratulations to MaKayla for being our first Willow Award honoree.

    McKayla's Nomination Letter

    "Possessing characteristics for that very special calling in life."

    Our Mission

    Our mission and vision are simple. We desire to help Central Arkansas families recognize and honor their end-of-life caregiver. End-of-life caregivers are often overlooked heroes in our loved ones' stories, and we want to help change that.

    The Meaning

    "The Oak and the Willow" 

    There is an old adage about the relative strength of trees and which is the strongest. It suggests that the mighty oak is the strongest of all trees: Tall, thick, sturdy ... But the contrasting view is that the Willow is the strongest. Supple, swaying, flexible ... When the wind is severe - damaging, hostile, punishing and harsh - the oak will withstand up to a point, but then snap. The Willow on the other hand will yield and bend and nearly touch the ground, and after the wind, will stand upright and resume its place.

    - The Need for Willow Tree Faith,

    Virginia Theological Seminary

    Like a willow tree, a caregiver working in end-of-life care bends to accommodate the needs of their patient and family in their storm. Regardless of the challenges that lie ahead, these caregivers are steadfast and resilient to the very end. Like the pliant Willow tree, they will stand back upright and tall, ready to care for another patient. This award is for them!

    Ready to nominate a deserving Central Arkansas Caregiver?

    Contact Us

    If you prefer, you can also mail your Letter of Nomination to:

    Willow Award Nomination, 1921 Main St.,

    North Little Rock, Arkansas 72114

    or email to: Nominations@SmithFamilyCares.com

    DOWNLOAD BROCHURE

    PROUD PARTNERS OF THE WILLOW AWARDS

    Smith Family Funeral Homes takes great pride in joining hands with the Willow Awards, wholeheartedly advocating for compassionate end-of-life care.


    Jeff Smith and his wife, Leslie, share, "It's heartwarming to hear families share their stories of the incredible support provided to their loved ones by nurses, Hospice workers, as well as friends and family. The Willow Awards will open doors for more people to listen to these touching accounts, allowing us to honor the exceptional caregivers in our communities and to celebrate the lives they touch."

    Tipton & Hurst has created this special arrangement that will be awarded to all Willow Award recipients. This arrangement was custom designed to symbolize the beauty and resilience of this compassionate and loving group of caretakers who go the extra mile to make the end-of-life experience as peaceful as possible for the families and their loved ones.

    Learn More About Tipton & Hurst
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