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.
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.
Honoring Compassionate Caregivers
The Willow Award celebrates end-of-life caregivers who go above and beyond, providing exceptional compassion and support during life’s final journey. Now, you have the chance to share their story and recognize a deserving caregiver in Central Arkansas!
Tell Us Your Story
If so, we invite you to submit a nomination letterand share why you believe they deserve to be honored!
THE MEANING
"The Oak and the WIllow"
- The Need for Willow Tree Faith,
Virginia Theological Seminary
Baptist Labor & Delivery, NICU & Postpartum Team Members
2025 Willow Award Honorees
“Compassionate, empathetic, benevolent, and kind-hearted are just a few of the adjectives that describe every doctor and nurse we encountered."
-Mark & Hannah St. Pierre
Leaving the hospital without your babies is something a family should never, ever have to do. It makes you not want to ever look back or enter that specific building again. However, God willing, I am looking forward to the day when I’m back there again for a happy celebration and I pray all of these people get to be a part of it. Until then, I want them to know the incredible impact they had on our lives and how thankful we are for each one of them.
Sarah Arnold, RN
2023 Willow Award Honoree
Baptist Health Hospice, Little Rock
You are my special angel!
-The Family of the Late Charles Holley
Karly Brooks, R.N.
2023 Willow Award Honoree
Arkansas Children's Hospital - Little Rock
Karly Brooks, RN 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."
-The Family of the Late Augustus "Gus" Britton
Past Honorees for the Prestigious Willow Award
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!
Elizabeth "Liz" Janes, Caregiver: Pinnacle In-Home Care - Bryant
Nomination LetterElizabeth "Liz" Janes, Caregiver
2025 Willow Award Honoree
Pinnacle In-Home Care
We honored Liz Janes at Pinnacle In-Home Care in Conway on January 8, 2025. Here is an excerpt from her nomination letter: After every shift, she would write detailed notes to our father regarding how our Mom’s day had gone and would text him updates throughout the day. She would cook special meals for Mom which always made our Mother smile. Liz even made a giant bouquet of Valentine’s Day gifts for both Mom and Dad, and Mom adored the shirt she was given and wore it frequently.
Mendy Barnes, CNA: Gentiva Retirement Care - Little Rock
Nomination LetterMendy Barnes, CNA
2024 Willow Award Honoree
Gentiva Retirement Care - Little Rock
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.
Rosa Perez, OM: Pleasant Hill Adult Daycare - Bryant
Nomination LetterRosa Perez, OM
2024 Willow Award Honoree
Pleasant Hill Adult Daycare - Bryant
“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.
Curtis Felps, CNA: Independent Caregiver - North Little Rock
Nomination LetterCurtis Felps, CNA
2024 Willow Award Honoree
Nominated by: Judy Smith and the Family of Gene Powell Smith
"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
Michael Emery, LPN: Greenbrier Nursing and Rehab - Greenbrier
Nomination LetterMichael Emery, LPN
2025 Willow Award Honorees
Greenbrier Nursing and Rehab - Greenbrier
In December 2023, Deloris would become one of the family at Greenbrier Nursing & Rehab in December and passed away peacefully 9 months later. The best way to describe Deloris: “Laid back country woman." And although she received excellent care within these walls by everyone she encountered, Deloris became attached to one particular LPN, often citing “how he listens to me.”
Alisha Ryan & Lisa Roberts, RNs: Baptist Health Hospice - Little Rock
Nomination LetterAlisha Ryan and Lisa Roberts
2024 Willow Award Honorees
Baptist Health Hospice - Little Rock
"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
Shannon Smith, Care Coordinator: Integrity Incorporated - Little Rock
Nomination LetterShannon Smith, Care Coordinator
2024 Willow Award Honorees
Integrity Incorporated - Little Rock
“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!
Sammie Wright & Donna Hayden, Independent Caregivers - Hot Springs
Nomination LetterTina Robbins
2024 Willow Award Honoree
Arkansas Hospice - North Little Rock
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.
George Nunez, CNA: Spring Creek Nursing and Rehab - Cabot
Nomination LetterGeorge Nunez, CNA
2024 Willow Award Honoree
Spring Creek Nursing and Rehab - North Little Rock
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!
Reva Martin, BSN: UAMS - Little Rock
Nomination LetterReva Martin, BSN, Clinical Specialist for L&D
2023 Willow Award Honoree
UAMS - Little Rock
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.
Brandi Fairchild, RN: Elite Hospice - Hot Springs
Nomination LetterBrandi Fairchild, RN
2024 Willow Award Honoree
Elite Hospice - Hot Springs
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.
Monte Gillespie, CNA: The Manor Senior Living Community - Little Rock
Nomination LetterMonte Gillespie, CNA
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.
Audrey Booker, CNA: Hospice Home Care - Hot Springs
Nomination LetterAudrey Booker, CNA
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.
Chris Straschinske, EMT: MEMS - Little Rock
Nomination LetterChris Straschinske, EMT
2023 Willow Award Honoree
MEMS, Little Rock
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.
Hospice Comfort Homecare Center Team - Little Rock
Nomination LetterHospice Comfort Homecare Center Team
2023 Willow Award Honorees
Little Rock
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."
MaKayla McBryde, RN: Baptist Health Medical Center North - North Little Rock
Nomination LetterMaKayla McBryde, RN, the first Willow
Award Recipient
Baptist Health Medical Center - North Little Rock
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.
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
Meet Jodie...
Jodie McGinley, BAE, LFD, CT
Executive Director, The Willow Award
jodie@willowaward.com
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 a custom floral arrangement to honor each Willow Award recipient. Designed to reflect the beauty, strength, and compassion of end-of-life caregivers, this special bouquet is a tribute to those who bring peace and comfort during life’s most difficult moments.
“Stacy and I are honored to support the Willow Awards with a beautiful fresh floral arrangement for recipients. Having lost loved ones and experienced firsthand the vital role of end-of-life caregivers, giving back in this way means the world to both of us.”
