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!

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

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.

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!

Karly's Nomination Letter

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

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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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