MANOR MAGAZINE WINTER 2024

Mark R. Todd President & CEO

February 2024

Dear Magnolia Manor Supporters,

As you read in the last edition of the Magnolia Manor Magazine, Mark Todd has announced his intention to retire as the President & CEO of Magnolia Manor effective October 1, 2024.

Mark has provided the Board of Trustees a generous timeline allowing the board to carefully select, orient and integrate his successor into the Magnolia Manor organization assuring a smooth transition.

Active Trustees

Mr. Pete Cates

Mr. Ed Collier

Mrs. Ann Harris

Mr. Mark Johnson

Mr. Will Peterson, IV

Mr. Charles Pryor

Mr. Chuck Reeves

Mr. Charles Ray Sheffield

Mr. Ty Turner

Mrs. Edie Vinson

Mr. Hal Weathers

Mr. Rick Whaley

Mrs. Jean Wheeler

Mr. George Youmans, Jr.

Executive Committee

Chairman–Mr. Mark Johnson

Vice Chairman–Mr. Chuck Reeves

Secretary–Mrs. Jean Wheeler

As you know, Mark has enjoyed a long and successful tenure with Magnolia Manor, faithfully serving the organization for what will be 39 years upon his retirement. He began his career in 1980 as the night Assistant Administrator eventually moving into the positions of Administrator, Senior Administrator, Vice President for Operations and culminating his career by serving as our CEO since 1995. As only the third president in Magnolia Manor’s 61-year history, Mark’s vision and commitment to Magnolia Manor’s mission enabled the organization to grow from the original campus and services in Americus to an organization that serves seniors across South Georgia in 15 facilities on 9 campuses.

Change is challenging for any organization but with change there is always great opportunity. Our board has already begun the process of ensuring we make the best selection possible for Magnolia Manor’s next CEO. A search committee has been established and we have retained The Deffet Group, Inc., an executive search firm specializing in not-for-profit senior living for 25+ years, to partner with us in this process. We will be meeting with the firm over the next several weeks as we begin preparations to launch the search nationwide. Please trust that the Board of Trustees take this responsibility very seriously. Our goal is to hire the right person and taking the proper time and study of potential candidates is paramount.

We solicit your prayers that we are led to a proper decision and for Mark as he approaches this transition in his life.

Sincerely,

Mark Johnson Chairman of the Board

Magnolia Manor

As the first quarter of a new year comes to an end, most New Year resolutions are already broken, dismissed, or completely forgotten. We make resolutions centered around self-improvement goals that make us fitter, healthier, richer, more productive, happier, or more successful. But change can be hard, and that is why most resolutions are not kept. To make a permanent change, we usually have to change our way of thinking. Right believing leads to right living. And if we are going to make a positive change, then we need to transform the way we think.

Philippians 4:8 says: Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

What if we made a resolution about something bigger than ourselves this year? All it takes is a transformation of our minds to right thinking and committing to making our community a better place to live. As you will see in one of our articles in this edition of Manor Living, the Macon Men’s Club is transforming the way men think about senior living. Not only are men getting involved and enjoying fellowship on our Macon campus with other residents, but they are also making a difference by extending compassion to those in need and working on projects to help beautify our campus. There are other great stories in this magazine of residents and staff at Magnolia Manor making a difference through change. We hope that you will read them and be inspired.

So, if we truly want to make a positive impact in 2024 and help transform our world, let’s start by believing we can make a difference. Make a commitment to help someone by lending a hand, writing a letter, offering a word of encouragement, or donating money or your time. There are so many ways to transform our world. We just need to make a commitment and keep it!

Romans 12:2 says: Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

Transforming the world starts with your mind, and it really is about selflessness and not self-improvement. However, as you help others, you will find the good in yourself. And as you find the good in yourself, there is a good chance that you will have an outstanding 2024! Senior Management Mark

SVP for Communications

Magnolia Manor of Macon Resident, Lettie Johnson

MISSION

We serve all through love and support for a lifetime

Through the years, we’ve had the privilege of capturing some incredible stories within the pages of Manor Living magazine. We’ve been touched by tales of courage from those who served our country during World War II and Vietnam. Centenarians have graciously given us their secrets to longevity. Talented musicians and artists have lent us a peek into their creative minds. In this issue of Manor Living, we’re honored to share the story of Lettie Johnson, a resident at our Macon campus. Lettie blazed trails as the first African American registered nurse (RN) at Robins Airforce Base.

Lettie was born in 1934 to loving parents. Despite growing up in the segregated south in Macon, GA, she remembers life was good for her and her sisters. Her mother always told them to work hard to obtain a scholarship because she couldn’t afford to send them to college. Taking heed to her mother’s advice, Lettie graduated from Ballard-Hudson High School as the salutatorian of her class. She hoped her academic success would land her a scholarship

and fund her dream to study fashion design. Unfortunately, the scholarship never came. (Lettie later discovered that she had received a scholarship, but it was mistakenly awarded to another student.)

Without the scholarship, Lettie was forced to find another way to further her education. She decided to enroll in Georgia Baptist College. The two-year institution didn’t fit her interests, as it was more suited for individuals aspiring to go into ministry. Her boyfriend, who later became her husband, presented her with the idea of becoming a nurse. Lettie decided to write to the PTA (Parent Teacher Association) to inquire about a nursing scholarship.

“To my surprise, the PTA told me they had already awarded me a partial scholarship. I had never received it, though. We never figured out what happened. But it all worked out because I ended up getting a full scholarship instead. The original recipient didn’t meet the academic requirements to continue receiving the

scholarship, but I had the grades to qualify for it,” Lettie shared.

Before she knew it, Lettie was packed and on her way to test for the nursing program at the Grady Hospital School of Nursing in Atlanta, GA. Although she knew nothing about nursing and had never stepped foot in a hospital, Lettie achieved one of the highest scores. She went on to excel at the Grady Hospital School of Nursing as the President of the Student Body. She also played the piano for the Glee Club and represented the state of Georgia for student nurses at a convention in Chicago for the American Nurses Association. Lettie is grateful for all her scholarly achievements, but one of the most prominent moments in her college career was when she challenged old traditions.

“African American nurses in the south couldn’t be addressed as ‘Miss.’ We could only be referred to as ‘Nurse.’ Our name badges

had the title ‘Nurse’ followed by our last names. When we went to the convention in Chicago, the other nurses made fun of us. So, we cut the ‘Nurse’ part off our name badges. When we returned to Grady, the other nurses on campus did the same,” Lettie stated.

The Director of the School of Nursing heard about this revolutionary moment. As the President of the Student Body, Lettie was the first person called into the office. Lettie spoke up for herself and her fellow students. The Director showed compassion and had the name badges changed. This marked the beginning of a long career of pioneering moments for Lettie.

For the next few years, Lettie traveled from coast to coast and across seas to care for patients. Her husband, Charles, was serving in the Air Force, which required them to relocate often. Some of their short-term residences include Washington D.C., Idaho, and Libya.

Magnolia Manor of Macon Resident, Lettie Johnson

Lettie was the first African American RN on staff in some of these locations. Each location had its hardships, but the racial tensions of the South were intense. When she returned to Macon, Lettie no longer desired to tolerate the social injustices. So, she sought openings at Robins Air Force Base in Warner Robins, where the working conditions were more favorable. This proved to be a challenge as well.

“I had a hard time getting hired at the base because the Civilian Personnel Office was in Macon. Every time I went to the office, they would rudely tell me they weren’t hiring. So, I finally went to the base to speak to the chief nurse. She offered me a job. She had to notify the Civilian Personnel Office twice before they finally hired me, which took two months,” Lettie recalled.

Lettie was hired as the first African American nurse at Robins Air Force Base in 1960. She resigned after six months to join her husband in his next assignment. After several moves, the Johnsons relocated to Macon in 1970. Lettie was rehired at Robins Air Force Base and was later promoted to the Supervisory Occupational Health Nurse. Lettie was also one of the founding members of the Occupational Health Nurse Association. Many of the nurses under Lettie’s leadership were inspired by her consistent pursuit of self-improvement through continued education. As a result, they too received additional education to provide better service to the patients. In 1989, Lettie retired from a rewarding, 34-year career as a nurse. A series of surgeries made it impossible for her to continue nursing. But that didn’t stop Lettie from finding a new way to serve others.

“I couldn’t just sit around and do nothing, so I went back to school and became a tax accountant. I worked with H&R Block for 18 years. I really liked encouraging the young

people and teaching them how to manage their money,” Lettie stated.

Now Lettie has embarked on another new journey. This time her ambitions have led her to the doors of Magnolia Manor. She became a resident at our Macon campus in the fall of 2022. Her large home had become too much for her to manage on her own. Eager to improve her quality of life, she decided to transition into a senior living community.

“I love it here! The villas are so spacious. I was able to host my family for my first Thanksgiving, and I have plenty of room for storage. The staff is responsive to my needs. The neighbors are all so nice. We do things like go out to eat once a month and send birthday cards to each other. It’s really nice here!” Lettie shared.

When she isn’t attending her local church or out with her friends from The Manor, Lettie is spending time with her three sons and two daughters. Sometimes you may find her participating in water aerobics classes at the campus or trying out a new baking recipe. To keep her mind sharp, Lettie enjoys completing word searches and puzzles on her computer. She also checks her social media account from time to time to see what her grandchildren are up to.

Lettie Johnson and many Magnolia Manor residents like her have dedicated their lives to serving others. This is one of the countless reasons why we have made it our mission to serve all through love and support for a lifetime. With your help, we have kept this mission alive and look forward to continuing the mission for years to come. To keep up with our progress, visit www.magnoliamanor.com or follow us on social media. Thank you for your support!

Dedicated staff at Magnolia Manor’s Nursing Center of Americus

Magnolia Manor of St. Marys Resident, Mike Lillis

VISION

Our Communities Are About Life and Living...

“An effort made for the happiness of others lifts us above ourselves.”

– Lydia M. Child

At Magnolia Manor, our communities are about life and living it to the fullest. We strive to enhance our residents’ lives by helping them focus on what’s most important to them. Of course, each resident’s focus may differ. Some may desire the ease of day-to-day living and activities while others may wish to pursue their creative ideas and hobbies. Whatever their desires are, we encourage our residents to do what is important to them.

Enhancing other people’s lives is certainly not restricted to our Magnolia Manor staff. One of our newest residents shares this same spirit. He goes out of his way to spread joy to the people he meets, leaving them with smiles on their faces. Mike Lillis, a resident of our St. Mary Campus, has an intriguing way of bringing this joy to everyone around him. Using his artistic talent to reach out to others is nothing new to Mike. Mike is known for surprising others with gifts of his framed

photographs. This act of kindness is a true blessing to all.

Mike discovered his exceptional talent in the 1960s while he was deployed to the Mediterranean Sea. He joined the United States Navy in 1960. He obtained his first 8 mm camera while on leave in Yemen during one of his many deployments. While sailing aboard a destroyer, the USS Power DD839, Mike was able to film his journey through the Suez Canal.

“Once I finished filming, I mailed the footage to Kodiak to be developed. After several months, I received the film back from Kodiak. I showed it to my shipmates on the ship’s mess deck. Everyone smiled and joked when they saw the caravan of ships sail through the canal,” Mike reminisced.

After completing five and a half years in the Navy, Mike moved back to New Haven, Connecticut. He got a job driving semi-trucks shortly afterward. He spent the next 32 years operating along the highways of all of the lower 48 states. While working with the

teamster union, Mike bought a 22-foot fishing boat and began a small charter boat service. He guided customers to some of the best fishing spots along the northern shore of the Long Island Sound.

“The fishing in that area is phenomenal. I have always had a boat and grew up fishing. Fishing kept me going; it was a big part of my life,” smiled Mike.

Even during the busiest times of his life, Mike kept his interest in film. He videoed weddings and other special occasions; specifically, the arrival of his four children home from the

hospital. He enjoyed sharing his ability to make people smile by capturing special moments with his camera.

After retiring, Mike moved to Jacksonville, Florida, to be near one of his sons. It was then that he met his lovely wife, Sandy. An artist herself, Sandy and Mike found they had lots in common and now have been married for ten years. The couple joined the local theater troop in St. Marys. The corps performs four to five productions a year. Mike began to photograph the plays, and the St. Marys magazine published his photographs. As Mike shared his photos with the community, he began to witness the joy it Article continued

Magnolia Manor of St. Marys Resident, Mike Lillis

brings to others. He has found a way to continue spreading joy to others at Magnolia Manor.

Mike’s experience with Magnolia Manor started just several months ago. The moving process was swift. Mike’s family joined him and Sandy for a tour at the St. Marys campus. They all were very pleased with what they saw at Magnolia Manor, so Sandy and Mike joined us this past summer. Mike loves living at Magnolia Manor in St. Marys. He especially enjoys chatting with his neighbors and taking their photos.

“Sometimes when I see another resident in the halls or at lunch, I ask if I can take a photo of them. I usually print the photo, frame it, and bring it to them at supper. I love to see the smiles and looks of surprise on their faces. I get to meet a lot of people by doing this,” stated Mike.

During one of his walks around the St. Marys campus, Mike struck up a conversation with

the administrator, Lisa Battistelli. Throughout their conversation, Mike discovered that Lisa had recently visited his hometown while on vacation. Lisa showed Mike a photo of her at a local pizzeria. It happened to be Mike’s favorite pizza place, so he took a photo of Lisa holding the photo. Mike had the image printed and framed, then surprised Lisa with a token of his appreciation. She was all smiles as he presented the photo to her.

We are fortunate to have Mike share his unique gifts and talents with everyone at Magnolia Manor in St. Marys. Visit any of our nine campuses, and you will meet amazing people like him who enhance other people’s lives in their own ways. You can also follow us on social media or visit our website at www.magnoliamanor.com to keep up with life at Magnolia Manor.

Magnolia Manor of St. Marys Resident, Mike Lillis

Magnolia Manor of Americus Campus - Martha McDonald Moore Chapel

VALUES

Commitment to Our Faith Tradition

If you look into Magnolia Manor’s history, you’ll see an organization founded on faith and generosity. In the 1950s, the South Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church researched and discovered a need for safe housing and long-term care for older adults. Around the same time, Kate Witte, a longtime resident of Americus, GA, bequeathed 392 acres of land dedicated to providing a senior living community. The Rock of Ages Foundation deeded the land to the South Georgia Methodist Home for the Aging, and in 1963, Magnolia Manor was born! Today, we do our best to continue building upon the foundation of faith and generosity that our supporters have established. As a result, Magnolia Manor has grown to be more than just a senior living community – Magnolia Manor is a ministry.

At Magnolia Manor, we offer spiritual care to residents and staff through our Chaplaincy

Program. The Magnolia Manor Chaplaincy Program began on the Americus campus in 1967, with Reverend Louis Gholson as the first chaplain on staff. Since then, the program has grown to include a chaplain on each campus. Having a spiritual care presence onsite allows residents and employees to receive easily accessible spiritual care.

Chaplains offer worship services, Bible study, monthly holy communion, and more. Spiritual care at Magnolia Manor extends beyond the pulpit as well. When residents are in the hospital or facing life changes, one of our chaplains visits them and their families at their homes or in the hospital.

Chaplains are also available to employees at Magnolia Manor. Caring for others can be challenging, so we aim to create a healthy and supportive work environment for our employees. One of the ways we do this is through our Chaplaincy Program.

From providing counsel for difficult times to simply answering faith-related questions, our chaplains are here to assist staff members to the best of their abilities. In addition to serving residents and staff at Magnolia Manor, the Chaplaincy Program has expanded to serve individuals beyond the organization.

In 2020, the Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) Program was introduced at Magnolia Manor under Rev. Dr. John Walker’s leadership. The CPE course consists of academic learning material and handson experiences that equip chaplains to provide spiritual care in clinical settings. Through the course, students get to know

themselves and learn how to offer a listening ear to their clients and parishioners. Interns train with Rev. Dr. John Walker to become certified chaplains. So far, we’ve had several graduates. Three former interns have joined the chaplaincy staff at three different campuses in our Magnolia Manor family. We also have two CPE interns who are serving as volunteer chaplains at two of our campuses.

“I’ve been doing some intern hours at the campus in Midway. What we’ve been doing in the CPE classes has made a huge difference in the empathy aspect of care at Magnolia Manor. I’ve learned that the residents often need someone to

Magnolia Manor Clinical Pastoral Educational Program Instructed by Dr. John Walker

show empathy and listen. We’ve applied active listening skills to better understand their needs and assist them according to what they share with us,” explained Janet Odegaard, CPE Intern and Volunteer Chaplain at Magnolia Manor in Midway.

Other CPE students have had similar experiences.

“I’ve found the CPE courses to be incredibly exhilarating! I’ve used the concepts and principles we’ve learned to help counsel my clients. The terminologies we’ve learned

help me identify and understand what individuals are going through,” stated Eddie Pullen, CPE student.

We are currently holding CPE classes for the winter semester, which will last 20 weeks. The goal is to offer ongoing training to six new interns each term. The CPE courses are available at Magnolia Manor twice a year. If you or someone you know is interested in completing the CPE course at Magnolia Manor, please contact Rev. Dr. John Walker at (229) 924-9352 ext.4069.

Magnolia Manor Clinical Pastoral Educational Program Instructed by Dr. John Walker

Magnolia Manor of Macon Men’s Club Members

VALUES

Dignity, Respect, Care, and Compassion for All

Finding a senior living community that fits your or your loved one’s needs and preferences can be challenging. It’s especially challenging for older men. Women make up 70% of the resident population of senior living communities, according to a report from the National Center for Assisted Living. Sometimes this leads to activities and programs that are more geared towards a female audience. As a result, men are less likely to consider moving into a senior living community. Men with health care needs oftentimes avoid making the move for as long as possible. Many of them believe that long-term care communities don’t have much to offer them. However, the men at Magnolia Manor in Macon are changing this common belief with their recently established Men’s Club.

The Men’s Club came to fruition when the Activity Director asked Clay Oehlert if he’d be interested in starting a men’s group. Clay was a new resident at the time, having moved to Magnolia Manor of Macon in March 2023. As he was familiarizing himself with his new surroundings, he noticed that the men weren’t participating in the activities as much as the women. When the Activity Director approached him with the idea of a men’s club, Clay thought it would be a great way to boost the living experience for the men of Magnolia Manor in Macon.

“The idea of the group is to make the area better and get the men more involved in something constructive. I thought it would be good for us to take trips together and have cookouts. Giving men the opportunity to bond with other men who share similar interests is one of the main goals of the group,” explained Clay.

After organizing all the details, Clay spread the word about the club to the men on the campus. They held their first meeting in March with four men in attendance. Since starting, their attendance has more than doubled and they’ve taken several trips. Some of these trips include visiting the museums

in town to learn the history of the city and traveling to Fort Hawkins to see the Battle of Dunlap Hill. They hold cookouts every quarter with a full spread of hamburgers, wings, and other delicious bites. Sometimes they gather at a local restaurant to dine together. The men also enjoy playing a few rounds of pool together on their new pool table, courtesy of a generous gift from an anonymous donor. It’s not all about self-enjoyment and entertainment for this brotherhood. The men of the Macon Men’s Club have taken on a few projects around the campus and extended the same compassion they’ve received to those in need.

“We repaired the flag pole and put up a new flag here on the campus. This past Christmas, we sponsored a child at the United Methodist Church Children’s Home,” Clay shared. “An upcoming task on our to-do list includes repainting the railings on the campus.”

The Men’s Club has been a great addition to the social programs offered at Magnolia Manor in Macon. Their positive impact reaches the residents around them and beyond to individuals in the local community. These men have demonstrated what it truly means to serve with dignity, respect, care, and compassion for all. Their efforts haven’t gone unnoticed.

“These gentlemen are always looking for ways to be active on campus and help others. The Men’s Club gives them the space and freedom they need to share their ideas and execute them. It’s just been great to see the men being more social, getting out, and participating in activities more! We’re here to support them in any way that we can,” shared Ivy Bembry, Administrator at Magnolia Manor in Macon.

The Men’s Club is scheduled to host their first cookout of the year in the spring. Plans for another trip are also in the works. To keep track of what the Men’s Club is up to at Magnolia Manor in Macon, visit www.magnoliamanor.com or follow us on social media.

Magnolia Manor of Columbus East, CNA Career Ladder Program graduates.

(Pictured from left to right) Front Row Left to Right: Joan Bwambok, Lawanda Burns, Kesha Guyton

Back Row Left to Right: Courtney Hightower, Shamara Tyus, and Stacey Thomas-Lockhart

Congratulations to our Advanced Caregiver graduates from Magnolia Manor of Columbus East!

To achieve this recognition, individuals must complete the Magnolia Manor Career Ladder Program. This program gives Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) an opportunity to advance their careers through a series of trainings designed to enhance their skills and service to the residents. The ladder consists of three modules, and each one takes six to nine weeks

VALUES

Integrity Through Excellence

to complete. The course material includes a combination of online and in-person class work. Students also interact with residents for handson learning experiences.

These healthcare professionals have dedicated their time and effort to bring forth their best at Magnolia Manor of Columbus East. We are proud to have them on our team, and look forward to more great successes ahead!

Congratulations!

Magnolia Manor of Columbus East, CNA Career Ladder Program graduates. (Pictured from left to right) Front Row: Stacey Thomas-Lockhart and Kesha Guyton

Back Row: Rhonda Young, Shamara Tyus, Zachary Savage, and Courtney Hightower

Magnolia Manor on the Coast Residents, Dar Martin and Les Leslie

VALUES

Healthy Mind, Body, and Spirit

The process of moving into a senior living community can be an exhilarating experience filled with an array of emotions. On one hand, it brings the excitement of trying something new. While on the other hand, it can cause a grievous feeling of loss as one trades the familiar for the unfamiliar. For some, the process may even require a bit of downsizing as they condense their belongings to accommodate their new residence.

In addition to the common concerns about moving into a senior living community, many older adults worry that the transition will diminish their self-sufficiency. At Magnolia Manor, the opposite is true. Dar Martin and Les Leslie, two of our residents in Richmond Hill, have discovered that moving into a senior living community improves their overall health and helps them maintain their independence. Their journey to this profound discovery all began with a friendly conversation during lunch one day.

Affectionately known as “The Greeter” at Magnolia Manor on the Coast, Dar is always eager to welcome new residents. She arrived in the fall of 2020. Unfortunately, the social

distancing restraints of the pandemic made it difficult for her to get acquainted with her new neighbors. Thankfully for the past couple of years, government officials have progressively lifted those restrictions. This has allowed Dar to spread her social butterfly wings and make new friends like Les.

“Dar and her friends knew I had just moved here, so they invited me to have lunch with them. We sat, talked, and got to know different, basic things about each other’s backgrounds. From there, our friendship just grew,” shared Les.

Their backgrounds couldn’t be any more different. Les grew up in the farmlands of North Florida, while Dar’s origins are in the rolling mountains of Vermont. Les served four years in the military and later dedicated 19 years to law enforcement. Dar retired from a 40-year career as the Associate Director of Career Counseling and Placement at Middlebury College. Though their backgrounds are very different, they share an analogous desire to lead healthy lives. This shared interest has made Dar and Les great workout buddies. You can find them in the campus fitness room riding stationary bicycles after lunch on most days.

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“We started coming to the fitness room several months ago. Les was having trouble with his knee and I was bored, so we decided to try the stationary bicycles. Our goal is to ride the bikes at least five days a week. If we miss a day, we try to make it up on a Saturday,” Dar explained.

So far, Dar and Les have kept up their exercise routine and even achieved some personal goals. Similar to their unique backgrounds, the two differ in how they measure a successful exercise session. A good day on the bikes for Dar is when she can reach a mile in 20 minutes or less. Instead of counting the minutes, Les counts the steps. He tries to get in at least 1,000 steps during each workout session.

“I’ve heard this quote through the years, ‘If you don’t use it, you lose it.’ So, if you’re not active with your arms, legs, and brain, you’re going to lose the

capacity that you have. If you use it, chances are that you’re going to maintain it much better as the years go by. I exercise because I feel like it’s good for me,” Les stated.

Exercising isn’t just about improving physical health. Dar and Les have found that exercising together provides a social element that enhances the overall experience. As a result, they have noticed a boost in their mental and spiritual health as well. They discuss various topics which makes the time go by with ease. Sometimes they play one of their favorite word games to see who can think of the most homophones.They also engage in the occasional friendly banter.

“I personally think it’s better if two or more people can exercise together. They have a chance to chat and it makes time go by faster. They can criticize each other. Of course, we wouldn’t do that,” Dar

Magnolia Manor on the Coast Residents, Dar Martin and Les Leslie

laughed. “But we have fun and we laugh about different things. Laughter and workouts keep us going. We look forward to coming to the fitness room during those five days.”

Dar and Les have not only adjusted to life at Magnolia Manor, but they have also flourished. It’s hard to believe that they once had concerns that made them reluctant to make the move. Les had become accustomed to the RV life, seeing the wonderful sights of the country. Dar enjoyed the luxuries of having her own home. But with the passing of her husband and her son moving away, Dar knew that she didn’t want to be alone. Les had similar sentiments. But once they made Magnolia Manor their residency, they haven’t looked back.

“Magnolia Manor has been so nice to me. I have all these good people around me - the staff, residents, and volunteers. I’m surrounded by very nice people,” Les shared.

For anyone who may still have some uneasiness about transitioning into a senior living community, here’s a bit of reassurance from Dar:

“Moving to a senior living community is going to be different. At first, you may think you’ve lost your freedom. But that’s not the case. Everyone is here to help you in any way that they possibly can. And that includes even the residents that are here.”

We make it our goal to provide the best care possible to the residents of Magnolia Manor. If you or a loved one is interested in experiencing the benefits of retired living with us, please give us a call at 1-855-540-LIFE. To learn more about life at Magnolia Manor, visit www.magnoliamanor.com or follow us on social media. We appreciate your support!

Magnolia Manor on the Coast Residents, Dar Martin and Les Leslie

Magnolia Manor Heart Forward Instructor, Angela Watkins,V.P. of Clinical Education

VALUES

Creative Change and Constant Improvement

For the past few years, organizations across the nation have been raising concerns about declining work ethic. Individuals in the workforce have also expressed difficulty finding suitable work conditions. Consequently, many organizations have experienced staffing shortages as employees have opted to seek alternative options or leave the workforce altogether. The pandemic only intensified these issues. Unfortunately, the longterm care industry and longterm healthcare professionals were some of the areas that were most affected. Magnolia Manor was no exception. As a result, the leadership team at Magnolia Manor has set sights on bridging the gap between employee satisfaction and organizational success through a training program called Heart Forward.

The Heart Forward program was established after a series of discussions between longterm care (LTC) organizations in the state of Georgia and the Georgia Health Care

Association (GHCA). GHCA is an organization that monitors LTC organizations in the state of Georgia to determine how well they perform in the areas of resident, family, and employee satisfaction. Magnolia Manor along with other LTC organizations partnered with the GHCA Quality Committee to examine the current processes and systems within the industry. This in-depth analysis uncovered a need to develop customer service training to improve satisfaction results. The GHCA Quality Committee sought out customer service training experts to cultivate a program tailored to fit LTC organizations. Thus, the Heart Forward program was born!

“As part of the quality award process and one of our core values, we are constantly looking for ways to improve and develop new processes at Magnolia Manor. It was evident we did not have a formalized customer service training process. Improving customer service is of significant value to those we serve. This program

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fits perfectly with our mission, vision, and values at Magnolia Manor,” shared Angela Watkins, V.P. of Clinical Education at Magnolia Manor. As a member of the GHCA Quality Committee, Angela Watkins has been instrumental in rolling out the Heart Forward program at Magnolia Manor. Jackie Newman has been working alongside Angela ensuring that the coastal campuses receive Heart Forward education. Training sessions began in December 2023 starting with leaders and individuals responsible for administering the Heart Forward program at each campus. Once campus leaders and trainers have completed the program, they will train the existing workforce. New hires will undergo Heart Forward training during orientation in the near

future. The Heart Forward program will be an ongoing educational course for all leaders and employees to keep the information fresh and at the helm of care and service at Magnolia Manor.

“I am thrilled to be one of the train-the-trainers for this amazing service excellence model! It will surely only make things better for our organization,” stated Angela.

The Heart Forward program consists of three elements: Character, Service, and Quality. Each element has five commitments that serve as a roadmap and further clarify what each individual’s personal responsibilities are within the organization. Employees are encouraged to learn and adhere to these elements and

Magnolia Manor Heart Forward Instructor, Angela Watkins, V.P. of Clinical Education with Employees

commitments in their day-to-day interactions with residents, family members, and other staff. The overall aim of the program is to teach employees how to lead with their hearts first which will enhance the culture of the organization. By improving the organization’s culture, leaders at Magnolia Manor hope to promote employee engagement, attract and retain skilled and motivated individuals, increase productivity, foster a teamwork environment, inspire creativity, elevate employee well-being, and develop more effective leaders. This will, in turn, lead to better care for residents at Magnolia Manor.

“Heart Forward is our ‘why’ behind everything we do in our service to others at Magnolia Manor. The principles and commitments highlighted in the program teach us what excellence looks like. It also gives us a way of interacting and conceptualizing our duties in a way that moves

us towards excellence. We are excited about this program and the positive outcomes we anticipate from the interactive training,” shared Hill Fort, Senior V.P. for Operations at Magnolia Manor. We are making great progress as we implement the Heart Forward program for employees at all nine of our campuses. We appreciate your continued support as we make these changes and improvements at Magnolia Manor!

Magnolia Manor Heart Forward Instructor, Angela Watkins,V.P. of Clinical Education with Employees

Magnolia Manor of St. Marys Maintenance Director, Tom Fitch

CREATIVE CORNER

There is no surprise in hearing the beautiful sounds of live music in the hallways at Magnolia Manor in St. Marys. If you happen to visit the campus during a special event, you will immediately embrace a big smile while you tap your feet and hum along. Talented musicians entertain the residents while performing the classics, from rock and jazz to Christmas carols. One of these talented musicians is none other than our Maintenance Director, Tom Fitch. Along with several of his artistic bandmates, Tom has been sharing his gift of music with folks for several years.

Tom grew up in a musical home in the small town of Sudbury, a suburb of Boston, Massachusetts. As a child listening to his mother and grandmother play the piano regularly, Tom was easily inclined to choose the piano as his first instrument to learn to play. Tom began playing drums at the tender age of nine, which became his lifelong passion. Even though he dabbled with the bass guitar, he knew the drums were his “calling.”

“After seeing the Beatles play on The Ed Sullivan Show, I fell in love with the drums. It was the backbone and pulse of the music,” Tom reminisced.

Even though his gift of music flowed from his mother’s side of the family, Tom took advice from his dad to learn several types of music. Since then, Tom has played music from a variety of genres, including Rock and Roll, Southern Rock, Jazz, Big Band, and many more.

“I have played in bands that opened for big-name acts like The Tommy Dorsey Band, The B-52s, and Sawyer Brown. My favorite song is ‘In the Mood’ by the Glenn Miller Orchestra,” Tom shared.

Although Tom has done studio work with other performers, performing in front of a live crowd is his preference. The interaction with other band members and the crowd is invigorating. Tom finds sharing music with others to be very rewarding.

“I remember one performance where I played with a jazz band at a senior living facility in Brunswick, Georgia. There was this lady, who happened to be a Holocaust survivor, and someone said that she barely talked to anyone. I noticed during the concert that she was tapping her toe to the beat of the music. When I returned, one of the nurses told me she had opened up and had started talking to the other residents.”

Tom began playing for the residents at Magnolia Manor during the 2021 Christmas party. He and his other three band members played the keyboards, saxophone, and drums, giving upbeat, fun tunes for everyone to enjoy.

“I have continued to play with other entertainers at the Manor and enjoy seeing the smiles from the residents,” says Tom.

Tom is a multi-talented man; not only is he a musician but, he also has a gift for woodworking. While he was in high school, Tom became interested in

Article continued from page 29

building furniture. Consequently, he combined his love of music with his woodworking talent by restoring antique drum kits.

Rebuilding drum kits involves removing and refinishing the drum wraps. Tom once completed a project that lasted two years. His hard work did not go unnoticed. Modern Drummer magazine featured his drum kit in its August 2002 monthly publication. His current project involves reconditioning and converting a standard fivepiece set of drums to a four-piece rock and roll drum kit.

After working for 36 years as a government civil servant and having owned his own business, Tom joined the Magnolia Manor team in March 2020. Working in the Maintenance Department has given Tom very fond memories. He feels the most rewarding part of being the Maintenance Director is the lessons our residents have taught him. The residents express their thanks and

gratitude to Tom for handling tasks that could prove difficult for them. Humbled to help others, Tom says, “I have to remind myself of this often because I may be in their shoes one day. It is a real reality check for me.”

Over the years one important lesson that Tom recognizes is to be grateful for health and patience. “Having patience with others and remembering that the blown-out light bulb in their room or their television that is not working may be essential in their life,” he said.

At Magnolia Manor, we cherish everyone’s creative abilities. We are very thankful that Tom shares his gift of music to help brighten the day for our residents. If you want to learn more about the Magnolia Team and what we have to offer, follow us on social media or visit our website at www.magnoliamanor.com.

Magnolia Manor of St. Marys Maintenance Director, Tom Fitch, & Band Entertaining Residents

Resident Christmas Gifts

Joy to the World Christmas 2023

SeasonforGiving MerryChristmas

ACTIVITIES

St. Simons Scarecrow Alley

Richmond Hill Truck or Treat and Costume Parade

ACTIVITIES

St. Marys Halloween Party

Richmond Hill Halloween Bash

Macon Halloween and Hotrod Party

Richmond Hill Turkey Trot

St. Marys Low Country Boil

St. Simons Light The Night

Moultrie Christmas Celebration

Americus Retirement Center Hot Chocolate with Santa

Americus Retirement Center Christmas Dinner

Midway Christmas Party

Americus Martha McDonald Moore Chapel Christmas Service

Richmond Hill Christmas Party

St. Marys Christmas Dinner

With grateful appreciation for those who support our ministry.

In Memory of...

Fred Alexander

Ms. Gail Harris

Gussie C. Allen

Mr. Randall Allen

Alice Chaphe Alsobrook

Mr. & Mrs. Bob Chaphe

Dr. & Mrs. Aubrey Alsobrook

Mr. & Mrs. Jim Replogle

Joan Anderson

Mrs. Joyce Buchanan

Mrs. Jean Carswell

Mr. Joe Daniel

Ms. Frances Messer

Ms. Jeffie Tharpe Wall

JoAnn Anderson

Melvin & Wilma Kinslow

Kay & Charles Reeves

Virginia Anderson

Mrs. Terry Goodrum

Mrs. A. H. Armbruster

Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Watson

Florine Bailey

Mrs. Linda Bartlett

Chuck & Willa Baisden

Mr. Alfred Quinn

Jane Ellen Bass

Higdon Family Charitable Fund

Sara J. Bass

Mr. James Bass

Zeke Bass

Mr. Joseph Burdeshaw

Elizabeth Bearden

Mrs. Pat Hill

Tom L. Black

Mr. & Mrs. Lamar Black

Joyce Blalock

Chuck & Marsha McCrary

Sibyl Bledsoe

Dr. F. Ellen McDaniel

Oscar & Goldie Bloebaum

Mr. & Mrs. William Rittman

Jo Boynton

Ms. Beth Joiner

Rev. Edward T. Braswell, Sr.

Bessie Hoots Sunday School Class

DeSoto Church

The Mike and Nancy

Faust Giving Fund

Ms. Sally Lester

Carolyn Roberts

Rentz and family Snow UMC

Ruth Haston Brisbois

Mrs. Patsy Watson

Carole Brown

Ms. Jeffie Tharpe Wall

Jule L. Brown

Mrs. Mervin Brown

Claire K. Browning

Bill & Linda Burke

James “Jimmie” Buchanan, Jr.

Mr. Henry Crisp

Dr. Bill Buntin

Ms. Beth Joiner

Dr. R. M. Buntin

Ms. Beth Joiner

Mr. & Mrs. Henry Burdeshaw

Mr. Joseph Burdeshaw

Bill Byram

Mr. Joe Daniel

Rosalynn Carter

Rev. & Mrs. Eugene Cochran

Jim & Judy Rylander Foundation

Ruby Cavender

Mr. & Mrs. Gary Houston

Ruth Clements

Mr. & Mrs. George Clements

Annie Mae Colbert

Dr. F. Ellen McDaniel

Joan Collier

Higdon Family Charitable Fund

Tom Collins

Mrs. Pat Hill

Mr. & Mrs. James L. Conley

Ms. Lola Conley

Elizabeth A. & Levy

H. Cook

Ms. Ruth Cook

Elizabeth A. Cook

Ms. Ruth Cook

Levy H. Cook

Ms. Ruth Cook

Barbara Schlafer Crenshaw

Mr. & Mrs. Ray Crenshaw

Betty Hamm Crenshaw

Mr. & Mrs. Ray Crenshaw

In Memory of...

Carolyn K. Daniel

Mr. Joe Daniel

Becky Davis

Derek & Charlene McAleer

Dr. Charlie Davis

Robin & Frank Lowrey

Margie Dillard

Ms. Karen Mitchell

Frank & Susie Dorsett

Mr. David Dorsett

Mr. T. Howard Dorsett

Jimmy Drumm

Mrs. Janis Webb

Mrs. B. L. Durden

Mr. Keith Hagen

Anna Pearl Durham

Dutchie Riggsby

Edith Ellis

Mrs. Marion Jarrell

Jane Fern

Mrs. Terry Goodrum

Elizabeth Buchanan Filbey

Ms. Jeffie Tharpe Wall

Laurie Fitzpatrick

Ms. Claudia Conn

Lois Estes Floyd

Carol F. Ingram

Barbara Fort

TRIBUTES

October 2023 – December 2023

Mr. & Mrs. Hill Fort

Ernest W. Fussell

Mrs. Betty Fussell

Tony & Julie Purvis

Earl Gammage, Jr.

Mr. Henry Crisp

Mr. & Mrs. Joe Fletcher

Ms. Jeffie Tharpe Wall

Dr. & Mrs. T. Schley Gatewood, Sr.

Dr. F. Ellen McDaniel

Dr. T. Schley Gatewood, Jr.

Dr. F. Ellen McDaniel

Charles Gibbs

Dr. & Mrs. Louis Riccardi

Drs. Alex Turner & Louis Riccardi

John Golson

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Myron Hancock, Jr.

Mr. & Mrs. James Hamilton Jr.

Jimmy Harris

Ms. Gail Harris

Ronnie Harrod

Mr. & Mrs. W. Frank Joiner

James & Lynn Harvey

Col. & Mrs. Donnie Courson

Carl L. Helbert

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Bob & Libby Helms

Ms. Debra McEachern

Arthur Herndon, Jr.

Ms. Wynn Herndon

Dr. James G. Herron

Mrs. Nancy Herron

Dr. F. Ellen McDaniel

Mildred & Harry Hite

Ms. Sue Hite

Jim & Marie Holtz

Mr. & Mrs. Carl S Schneider

Preston Horne

Mrs. Audrey Coleman

Virginia Houston

Mr. & Mrs. Gary Houston

Mary Bradford J Johnson

Mr. & Mrs. Charley Johnson

Ruth & Horace Johnson

Mrs. Martha Arrington

Betty T. Jones

Mr. & Mrs. Larry Jones

Ruth Jones

Mr. & Mrs. Randolph Barksdale

Melvin Kelly

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Mary Kendall

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Dave and Mary

Frances Kennedy

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M. U. Kent

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William & Vivian King

Hellen King & Walt Driggers

Etta (Mickey) Klein

Ms. Jeffie Tharpe Wall

Douglas M. Kronn

Mr. Michael Kronn

Lois M. Kronn

Mr. Michael Kronn

Debbie Lee

Ms. Beth Joiner

In Memory of...

Rev. Virgil Lee

Rev. & Mrs. Eugene Cochran

Derek & Charlene McAleer

Leslie & Jackie Linker

Ms. Debra McEachern

Gloria Livingston

Gail Scarboro-Hritz

George & Carolyn Long

Ms. Debra McEachern

George & Ellie Long

Ms. Debra McEachern

Aaron Lowery, Sr.

Bill & Mary Claire

Reeves

Suzie D. Lowry

Ms. Nicole Gilbert

Gladys & Loyd

Marchant

Mr. & Mrs. Charlie Satterfield

Vida Markette

Mrs. Anne Foley

Nettie Marx

Mrs. Dianne Pierce

Dr. & Mrs. J. Zeb McDaniel

Dr. F. Ellen McDaniel

Jimmy Melvin

Bill & Mary Claire

Reeves

Leah Millman

Mr. David Millman

Bobby Mitchell

Mrs. Barbara Mitchell

Dr. Hugh Lamon Moates

Ms. Jeffie Tharpe

Wall

Lynwood Mock

Ms. Norma Mock

Faith Hickman Moore

Mr. Carol Moore Jr.

Randy Mosley

Mrs. Sharon Mosley

Jacquelyn Mullis

Ms. Nancy Usry

David H. Murkison

Ms. Elizabeth Murkison

Matthew & Gladys Murray

Mr. Matthew Murray III

Elizabeth Brooks

Peek Nettum

Melvin & Wilma Kinslow

Betty Jean Newman

Drs. Alex Turner & Louis Riccardi

Robert Leon Palmer

Rev. & Mrs. Fred Reiner

Roy & Eliza Parker

Mr. Bill Parker

Our Parents and Grandparents

Mr. & Mrs. Hiram Peeler

Evelyn A. Perry

Kay & Charles Reeves

Lyn & Evelyn Perry

Loveard & Dorothy

McMichael and family

Betty Pope

Mr. & Mrs. Randolph Barksdale

JoAnne H. Powers

Mr. & Mrs. Sam Powers Jr.

Peggy Pritchett

Ms. Beth Joiner

Mrs. Patsy Watson

Rosa Pryor

Ms. Laura Williams

Jewel Reeves

Mr. & Mrs. Phil Guest

Lamar (Sparky)

Reeves

Mr. Henry Crisp

Ms. Jeffie Tharpe Wall

Mr. & Mrs. J. Hinton

Reeves

Ms. Nancy Usry

Sally Reid

Drs. Alex Turner & Louis Riccardi

Mr. & Mrs. Perry D. Rich

Mrs. Mary Burch

Sara Robinson

Mrs. Lou Meyers

Patsy Rooks

Mr. W. R. Rooks

F. D. (Rabbit) Royer

Mrs. Marion Royer

Our Parents and Grandparents

Rev. & Mrs. William J. Ryan

Bill & Pearl Sadler

Mr. & Mrs. Roy Manoll III

Pearl G. & William R. Sadler

Mr. & Mrs. Jack Sadler

Mary Sealy

Ms. Pam Harbuck

Mary Lynn Shealy

Ms. Jeffie Tharpe Wall

Sam & Mary Shearouse

Mr. Robert Thomason

Jane C. Short

Mr. James Short

Jack Shurling

Derek & Charlene McAleer

Mr. & Mrs. W. C. Siler

Mr. & Mrs. Ron Simpson

Dr. Harvey Simpson

Dr. F. Ellen McDaniel

Rebecca Slappey

Mr. John Pryor Jr.

Wallace Slater

Kay & Charles Reeves

Estelle Smith

Mrs. Margie Strange

Noah Cambeall Smith

Drs. Gene & Camilee Beall

Eugenia T. Sorrells

Ms. Elizabeth Sorrells

Robert L. Stephens

Ms. Sarah Crupper

Gertrude Strickland

Mr. & Mrs. John Heath

Billy Sullivan

Mr. & Mrs. Raymond King

TRIBUTES

In Memory of...

Pat Summers

Mr. Charles Summers

Ossie Bobbitt Swann

Mr. & Mrs. Ward Sweat

Annie L. Sweat

Mrs. Sylvia Sears

Lynda & Lonnie Sweat

Ms. Laura Williams

Nell Taylor

Ms. Karen Mitchell

Bill & Ellie Telega

Ms. Debra McEachern

Frances Tharpe

Ms. Jeffie Tharpe Wall

Fred Thompson

Mr. & Mrs. Hill Fort

Betty Todd

Tommy & Karen Mason

Peggy Totty

Anonymous

Rev. Dr. Ross E. Tracy

Rev. & Mrs. Eugene Cochran

Gloria Cromer Tripp

Mr. Robert Tripp

Grace Tucker

Ms. Carolyn Sollars

Larry Tucker

Mrs. Phyllis Tucker

Larry Varnadoe

Mr. & Mrs. Tom Smith

C. D. Vasbinder

Mr. & Mrs. John Vasbinder

October 2023 – December 2023

Mary Vasbinder

Mr. & Mrs. John Vasbinder

Lorraine Vilona

Mrs. Elizabeth Lib Wilbanks

Tim Vinson

Mrs. Joyce Buchanan

Mr. & Mrs. William Harris

Ms. Jeffie Tharpe Wall

Clyde & Carolyn Wall

Ms. Sally Clark

Dotti Warren

Ms. Beth Joiner

Dr. Tom P. Watson

Mrs. Patsy Watson

Faye & W. C. Webb

Mr. & Mrs. Bill Preston

Julian Webb

Mr. Joe Daniel

K. Faye Webb

Anchor Sunday

School ClassWarwick Church

W. C. & Faye Webb

Dewey & Suzanne Rozar

Paul & Mary Jane Weber

Mr. & Mrs. Steve Neal

Cordelia Ann Whaley

Joe & Jarrett Hooks

Melvin & Wilma Kinslow

Ty & Laura Kinslow

The Sidney Lanier Family

Kay & Charles Reeves

Bill & Mary Claire Reeves

James E. Wilbanks

Mr. & Mrs. Paul Pressly

Juanita and Ray Wilder

Mrs. Joyce Buchanan

Juanita Wilder

Dr. & Mrs. David Edgar

Mrs. Lutrelle Perry

Rev. W. Raymond Wilder

Dr. & Mrs. Emora Brannan

Rev. & Mrs. Eugene Cochran

Ron & Joyce Gregory

Ms. Holly Heath

Dr. & Mrs. Donald Sparks

Ms. Anita Whiteman

Calvin Williams

Mr. & Mrs. Charlie Satterfield

Mary Alice Williams

Mrs. Leolene Tate

Dr. & Mrs. Frank A. Wilson III

Dr. F. Ellen McDaniel

Dr. Frank A. Wilson IV

Dr. F. Ellen McDaniel

Faye Wilson

Mr. Jeff Wilson

Yuba Wilson

Mr. & Mrs. John Allison

Athalaine Wommack

Mrs. Mary Ann Brasington

Hines Wommack

Mrs. Jean Carswell

Amalia Wood

Mr. & Mrs. Wade Wood

Rev. Gene Yelverton

Rev. & Mrs. Eugene Cochran

George & Anne Youmans

Mr. & Mrs. George Youmans Jr.

TRIBUTES

October 2023 – December 2023

In Honor of...

JoAnne Askew

Mr. & Mrs. R. Max Sellers

Rev. Robert & Mary Pat Beckum

Mr. & Mrs. Gary Cook

Janet Bowen

Mr. & Mrs. Taylor Poole

Mary Tom Byram

Mrs. Karen Gatewood

Ozie Calloway

Ms. Belinda Ware

Alan Carson

Miss Elizabeth Payne

Tami & Tony Chase

Mrs. Wynelle Chase

Rev. Gene & Elizabeth Cochran

Rev. Marcia Cochran

Janet Daniel

Ms. Nancy Zink

Sandy Davidson

Mr. & Mrs. John Davidson

John Denton

Robin Hudgins

The Joiner Family

Mr. & Mrs. W. Frank Joiner

Hill Fort

LeAnn, Cason, Calyn, & Colman Fort

Betty Gay

Ms. Shelly Stokley

Mary Diane Gerblic

Mr. & Mrs. John Vasbinder

Mary Louise Hancock

Mr. & Mrs. Charles Davis

Ellen & Preston Harris

Allene & Ceegie Haugabook

Bill & Ann Harris

Mr. & Mrs. Jon Bernier

Pat Hill

Mrs. Blanche Palmer

Mr. & Mrs. Brad Jack

Dr. & Mrs. Frank Lowrey

Mr. & Mrs. Bryan Beel and Jim

Dr. & Mrs. Frank Lowrey

Melvin & Wilma Kinslow

Mr. & Mrs. William Harris

Ty Kinslow

Mr. & Mrs. Hill Fort

Mrs. Nancy Herron

Brad Lanier

Mr. Hans Pomeroy

Our Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren

Rev. & Mrs. Jarrell Lillard

Vickie & Sam Lott

Mr. & Mrs. William Harris

The Staff of Magnolia Manor

Rev. & Mrs. Thomas Davis Jr.

Mazola Stevens

Kitty Mays

Jimmy & Nancy Poole

With grateful appreciation for those who support our ministry.

Julie McCollum

Mrs. Patsy Watson

Susan McCullough

Bessie Hoots Sunday School Class

Jimmy & Kay Melvin

Mr. Joe Daniel

Nancy Miller

Ms. Kay Crawford

Mrs. Barbara Mitchell

Ms. Julie Schroeder

Nell Morris

Mr. & Mrs. R. Max Sellers

Dr. & Mrs. Gordon Newbern

Dr. & Mrs. Frank Lowrey

Blanche Palmer

Mrs. Pat Hill

Bill & Mary Claire Reeves

Elsie & Joe Plant

Jolene & Art Tanner

Wayne Ponder

Friends at Pine Level Church

Ed & JoAnn Pope

Mr. & Mrs. Jon Bernier

Dr. John Lee Redding

Rev. & Mrs. Richard Lanning

Kay & Charles Reeves

Mr. & Mrs. William Harris

Candy Riccardi

Drs. Alex Turner & Louis Riccardi

B. F. Roberts

Jolene & Art Tanner

Lois Roberts

Jolene & Art Tanner

Sharon Shirah

Byromville UMC

Margaret Smith

Mrs. Jane Adams

Martha Ann Studstill

Ms. Sherry Lyons

Brenda Summers

Mr. & Mrs. G. E. Pope

Robbie Tanner

Jolene & Art Tanner

Rebecca & Andy Taylor

Dr. & Mrs. Charles Adams

Ryan, John, & Alex Taylor

Dr. & Mrs. Charles Adams

The Least of These

Ms. Betty Daniels

Sybil Theus

Anonymous

Terrell Turner

Mrs. Roselyn Fletcher

Edie Vinson

Mr. & Mrs. William Harris

Dr. John Walker

Rochelle UMC

Patsy Watson

Ms. Julie McCollum

Judy West

Byromville UMC

Brittney White

Paul & Bonnie Bowden

Elizabeth Lib Wilbanks

Mr. Jimmy Wilbanks

Margaret and Johnny Wylly

Rev. W. Raymond Wilder

Mrs. Lutrelle Perry

Mr. & Mrs. Bob Wills

Dr. & Mrs. Frank Lowrey

Fraser & Lillian Wooldridge

Rev. Marcia Cochran

General Donations

2 Dukes Barbeque

Adelaide’s Paint & Decor

Ms. Lisa Albritton

Mr. & Mrs. Matt Amason

Americus Salem

Methodist Church

Mr. Jim Anderson

Ms. Denita Ashe

Badcock Home Furniture

Mrs. Elaine Baker

Ms. Jenice Baker

Ms. Stephanie Banks

Rev. & Mrs. Eugene Barlow

Rev. Henry Bass

Mrs. Danna Baumbach

Ms. Susan Baxter

Mr. & Mrs. Charles Beaty, Jr.

Bemiss UMM

Mr. & Mrs. Robert Bennett

J. D. Benson

Mr. Jim Benton, Jr.

Mr. & Mrs. Orvin

Bergman

Bethel UMC

Beulah Church

Ms. Grace Bivins

Mr. & Mrs. Lamar Black

Mr. & Mrs. Tilman Blakely

Mr. & Mrs. Tommy Blewett

Candy Blue

Mr. & Mrs. Harry Boal III

Bodaford Realty

Mr. D. Vance Boone

Malena Brissett

Mr. Donald Broome

Mr. & Mrs. Jim

Buchanan

Mrs. Joyce Buchanan

Ms. Janet Burchfield

Mr. Charles Burnett

Ms. Louise Bush

Mrs. Sally Buxton

Mr. Russ Campbell

Mrs. Claudia Carney

Carpet Store Plus

Ms. Cheryl Carter

Center For Educational Adventure

Center UMC

Central UMC

Ms. Betty Certain

Ms. Kathy Chalker

Mr. David Clark

Ms. Sally Clark

Clark Enterprises, Inc.

Ms. Mona Claxton

Coastal Appliances

Coastal Greenery, Inc.

Rev. & Mrs. Eugene Cochran

Ms. Geraldine Colbert

Community Foundation of Central Georgia, Inc.

Community Foundation of South Georgia, Inc.

Elaine Connell

Mr. & Mrs. Jamie Cromer

Mr. & Mrs. Dickey Crosby

Mrs. Bea Crouse

Mr. & Mrs. Billy Crump

Ms. Ruth Cummins

Ms. Sonja Dailey

Mr. Bill Daniel

Mrs. Macy Daniel

Mr. Martin Daniel

Mrs. Adela David

Mrs. Audrey Debien

Mr. & Mrs. Ron Deem

Dixie UMC

Mr. Eric Dokter

Dorothy’s Cocktail & Oyster Bar

Douglas First Church

Mr. & Mrs. Walter Driggers

Dublin First Church

The Dunlap-Youmans Foundation

E. L. Wilson Sunday School Class

Ebenezer UMC (Nepsey-Warren)

Edward Jones

Mr. & Mrs. George Elder

Electronic Systems & Design, Inc.

Epworth UMC

Mrs. Janice Estes

Mrs. Susie Etheredge

Mr. & Mrs. Mike Evans

Mr. Tony Ewert

Fidelity Charitable Donor-Advised Fund

Ms. Mary Finn

Mr. & Mrs. Charles Flanders

Rev. Sally Flowers

Mr. & Mrs. Hill Fort

Ms. Carol Foster

Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Foster

Frank J. Terry Endowment

Mr. & Mrs. J. Marion Franklin

Ms. Vicki Franks

Friendship UMC (Cairo Charge)

Mr. & Mrs. Brad Fussell

Mrs. Gwen

Gallagher-Howard

Mr. Donald Gammon

DONATIONS

October 2023 – December 2023

Mrs. Donna Garcia

General Mills

Mr. & Mrs. Lee George

Georgia Cochran

Sunday School Class

GHC Mechanical, Inc.

Gibson Community Church, Inc.

Ms. Heather Gill

Mr. & Mrs. John Gladden

Mr. & Mrs. Kirk Glenn

Mr. Marvin Goembel

Mr. John Goodrich

Ms. Teri Grant

Mr. & Mrs. Robert Griffin

Rev. & Mrs. Hall

Grimmett

Ms. Faith Hamilton-Trent

Ms. Jennifer Harris

Mr. & Mrs. William Harris

Mr. Frank Harshman

Hawkinsville First UMC

Mr. & Mrs. Mark Hayes

Mr. William Haymon

Health and Resource

Training Services

Ms. Clara Henderson

Hayley Hestsr

Mr. Alfred Hiers

Mr. & Mrs. Larry Higdon

Ms. Annette Hill

Hilton Methodist Church

Historic Union Church

Mr. Robert Hochwald

Mr. Hollis Holden

Jacqueline Hollis Ph.D

Hospice Savannah

Mr. Ronald Hostettler

Ms. Vivian Howard

Mr. & Mrs. Dale Hoylman

Mrs. Toni Hoylman

Mr. Terry Hudson

Mr. & Mrs. Mitch Hunt, Jr.

Mr. & Mrs. Sam Hunter, Jr.

Rev. & Mrs. John Irwin IV

Mr. Stewart Jackson

Jane W. Brown Insurance Agency, Inc.

Damonica Johnson

Ms. Jessica Johnson

General Donations

Mr. Jim Johnson

Ms. Mary Ann Johnson

Mr. & Mrs. Wally Joiner, Jr.

Mrs. Charlcie Jones

Joseph D. Cooley, Jr.

Irrevocable Trust

Joyner Electric and Security

Ms. Pam Kelly

Kingsland First Church

Mr. & Mrs. Ty Kinslow

Mrs. Jeanne Klippel

Dr. Randall Kopper

Mr. & Mrs. William Krenson

Mr. Michael Kronn

Lakeside Women of Faith

Ms. Debra Lane

Mr. & Mrs. Edwin Lane

Ms. Lynne Leftwich

Mrs. Wanda Lewis

Ms. Dawn Lott

Mrs. Sara Anne Maffett

Magnolia Manor of Marion County

Ms. Kathleen Marshall

Mattie H. Marshall Foundation

Dorothy T. Martin Trust

Ms. Harriett Mayo

Dr. & Mrs. Wallace Mays

McBride Church

Ms. Mary McDonald

Mr. & Mrs. Billy McGlone

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Mr. Robert McNeill

Ms. Barbara Meadows

Rev. Lynn Meadows-White

Ms. Dianne Meeks

Memory Matters

Ms. Mary Faye Merritt

Ms. Judy Missildine

Charles L. Mix Memorial Fund, Inc.

Mr. Albert Moore

Mr. Carol Moore, Jr.

Mr. & Mrs. David Moore

Ms. Sheila More

Kari Morris

Ms. Laurie Morton

Mr. & Mrs. Neal Moseley

My Hearing Aid Place, LLC

National Christian Foundation

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Mr. & Mrs. Steve Nelson

Northview UMC

Mr. Nick Owens

Park Memorial UMC

Mr. Jerry Parker

Mr. & Mrs. Robert Parks

Carol Pascal

Pathfinders Sunday School Class

Pavo UMC

George & Ann Peagler

Charitable Fund

Ms. Jean Perrino

Mr. & Mrs. Dave Peterson

Mr. Amos Pham

Philadelphia Methodist Church

Mr. Rodger Pietsch

Pilates Loft, Inc.

Mr. & Mrs. Cliff Pilcher III

Piney Mount UMC

Pitts UMC

Pleasant Grove Baptist Church

Pleasant Grove Church (Baldwin Co. Circuit)

Judge & Mrs. Dick Porter

Porterfield Memorial Methodist Church

Ms. Lori Portfleet

Mr. & Mrs. Paul Pressly

Mr. Jimmy Prince

Pro-Inspections Consulting Service, Inc.

Ms. Linda Quattlebaum

Mr. & Mrs. Chuck Reeves

Reid Bros. Irrigation & Equipment Company

Mr. & Mrs. Donald Rhodes

Mr. & Mrs. Gene Richardson

Ms. Ann Ricketts

Rochelle UMC

Ms. Seleta Rogers

Ms. Sarah Rondeau

Mr. & Mrs. Ed Roquemore, Jr.

Ms. Alisa Rossidivito

Ms. Brenda Rowland

Roy L. Parker Family Foundation

Mr. & Mrs. Lowell

Russell, Sr.

Jim & Judy Rylander Foundation

Mrs. Sanda Ryysylainen

Salt River Antiques Mall & More

Mrs. Lynda Scarborough

Ms. Beverly Schollaert

Seagles Restaurant

Ms. Lillian Seel

Servants of God Sunday School Class

Shiver Lumber Company, Inc.

Mr. & Mrs. C. Byrd Simmons

Mr. & Mrs. Kevin Simpson

Ms. Clara Slaughter

Ms. Cassandra Smith

Mr. & Mrs. John Smith

DONATIONS

October 2023 – December 2023

Ms. June Smith

Mikel Smith

Mr. Tony Smith

South Georgia Conference

St. Peters UMC

St. Simons Island UMC

Ms. Margaret Stanfield

Orville Stanley Endowment

Ms. Margaret Starr

Mrs. Vesta Steedley

Mrs. Kendall Stephens

Ms. Patricia Stephens

Mrs. Ann Stoddard

J. Sullivan Foundation, Inc.

Ms. Tina Swanson

Mr. & Mrs. J. W. Swift

Tazewell Community Church

TD Bank

Mr. & Mrs. Dave Templeman

Tennille Ladies Ministry

Tennille UMC

The Mobile Physical Therapist

The Signatry

The Southern Charmer

Ms. Kathryn Thurston

Mr. & Mrs. Mark Todd

The Train Foundation

Trinity UMC (Warner Robins)

Dr. & Mrs. Marcus Tripp

Mrs. Martha Dean Tucker

Mrs. Myra Tucker

Gary & Janice Turner

TVG-HC Acquisition, LLC

Rev. & Mrs. C. Benjamin Varnell

Mr. & Mrs. John Vasbinder

Mrs. Edie Vinson

Wadley First Methodist Church

Mr. & Mrs. Carson Walker

Ms. Inez Wallace

Luray S. Ward Trust

Ms. Belinda Ware

Mr. Lester Watson

Wesley UMC - Howard Charge

Mr. & Mrs. Richard Whaley

Mr. & Mrs. Wes Wheeler

Rev. & Mrs. J. Roy White

Ms. Kristina White

Dr. Barbara Wommack

Woodland UMC

Ms. Susan Wyatt

IN MEMORIAM

October 2023 – December 2023

James A Asbell

Charlie Averett, Jr.

Joanna Ball

Leon E Barnes

Nadine Black

Floyd Bush, Jr.

Jacquelyn Bush

Lillian Cannon

William A Carson

Walter Corbin

Katie Corley

Carmen Cruz

Willie Dogans

Robert B Dowse

Mary E Dunbar

Johnny J Eason

Willie Edmond

Franklin Gallob

Dr. Louise Galloway

Algertha Garner

Cynthia Goodpaster

Gary Goodwin

Donald Graves

Lonell Guy

Sara Hannen

Ella Harvey

Barbara Hays

Elizabeth Hendrix

Beryl Holland

Isaiah Holt

Oswald Holton

Catherine M Hubbard

Joe Hunt

Shirley W Isaacs

Marzel Kindred

Gail M Kroeze

Irmgard K Kutz

Rosemarie F Lynne

Billy Mahogany

Donald M Mentzer

Gedney W Miller

Imogene Monk

Ethel L Mullis

Jacquelyn T Mullis

Lillie Nelson

Carol Oakley

Betty Paige

Arthur M Parker

Joseph J Porter

Robert B Powell

Sara Rozier

Franklin D Shine

Lois Shiver

Dr. William V Smith

Robert W Stanford

James E Thomas

Brenda Thompson

Margaret Totty

William Trice

James L Varnadoe

Reginald M Warner

Betty Washington

Charlotte Wells

Helen Welsch

Josephine Wilder

Myrtle Wise

Thelma Woodall

Maggie S Yaughn

For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death.

If you are receiving more than one copy of this magazine or would like to be removed from our subscription list, please notify Robert Wisham at (229) 931-5924 or by email at RWisham@magnoliamanor.com

Campuses

Magnolia Manor Methodist Nursing Center 2001 South Lee Street

Americus, GA 31709

Administrator: Angela High (229) 931-5942

Magnolia Manor Retirement Center 2001 South Lee Street

Americus, GA 31709

Administrator: Robin Albritton (229) 931-5972

Magnolia Manor Mattie H. Marshall Memory Care Center 2001 South Lee Street

Americus, GA 31709

Administrator: Tabitha Salter (229) 931-5943

Magnolia Manor of Columbus West

P.O. Box 9696 2010 Warm Springs Road Columbus, GA 31908 Columbus, GA 31904

Administrator: Daron Butler (706) 324-2251

Magnolia Manor of Columbus East

P.O. Box 9696 2010 Warm Springs Road Columbus, GA 31908 Columbus, GA 31904

Administrator: Tekel Harrison (706) 324-0387

Magnolia Manor of Columbus Assisted Living

P.O. Box 9696 2010 Warm Springs Road

Columbus, GA 31908 Columbus, GA 31904

Administrator: Melissa Ryland (706) 327-5032

Magnolia Manor of Macon 200 Pierce Avenue

Macon, GA 31204

Administrator: Ivy Bembry (478) 743-0178

Magnolia Manor of Macon Assisted Living 200 Pierce Avenue Macon, GA 31204

Assistant Administrator: Ivy Bembry (478) 743-5906

Magnolia Manor of Marion County

P.O. Box 197 349 Geneva Road

Buena Vista, GA 31803 Buena Vista, GA 31803

Administrator: Edward Iturburu (229) 649-2751

Magnolia Manor of Midway 652 North Coastal Highway Midway, GA 31320

Administrator: Janice Baker (912) 884-3361

Magnolia Manor on the Coast 141 Timber Trail Richmond Hill, GA 31324

Administrator: Mike Battle (912) 756-4300

Magnolia Manor of St. Simons Nursing & Rehab 2255 Frederica Road St. Simons Island, GA 31522

Administrator: Jackie Crisp (912) 638-9988

Magnolia Manor of St. Simons 100 Heritage Drive St. Simons Island, GA 31522

Administrator: May Stevens (912) 638-3844

Magnolia Manor of St. Marys 4695 Charlie Smith, Sr. Highway St. Marys, GA 31558

Administrator: Lisa Battistelli (912) 673-7713

Magnolia Manor South

3011 Veterans Parkway Moultrie, GA 31788

Administrator: Lisa Ostrander (229) 985-0265