Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital Re-Dedicates Paver Pathway

ALBANY, Ga. – An important piece of the Phoebe Health System’s main campus is back where it belongs following a re-dedication.

CBS 44’s Brian Roche has more.

It’s a day to celebrate on the campus of Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital, as the Phoebe Foundation presented their re-dedication of the pavers that were removed during construction of the new tower.”

For husband and wife, Edwin and Mattie Willis, their pavers show a legacy of a combined 80 years of service at Phoebe.

“It’s an honor. It’s a great honor,” said Mattie Willis, Retired Phoebe Nurse.

“And, it’s something that our grandkids can come back and look at and say, ‘that was my paw-paw, you know, and that was my Mimi who used to work at Phoebe. Cause I’m sure Phoebe will continue to grow and expand and be a wonderful hospital,” said Edwin Willis, Retired Phoebe Security.

The last time the Phoebe Foundation was able to hold a dedication ceremony for pavers honoring past patients and staff was in 2022 as construction on the new tower ramped up.

And… being able to put those pavers back where they belong to give peace to those who donated.

“It’s powerful to have a place that you can go to remember them. And, I think the new garden is so beautiful and so centered around serenity and tranquility. It’s a marker of our commitment to them and their commitment to their loved ones,” said Deb Angerami, President, Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital.

“It’s an area of celebration, and I think that’s very important because of the work that’s done at the hospital. And, while it’s very rewarding, it can also be very hard work. So, the pathway is a price for hospital employees to come and take a moment when they need. And, that’s also very important,” said Kari Middleton, Chairwoman, Phoebe Foundation.

Having the pavers back out in front of the hospital also feels like those whose names are out front won’t be forgotten…

Like Edwin and Mattie.

“Oh, man, that’s a wonderful feeling to know that people still remember you and feel honored to serve that you gave to the hospital. This is a great hospital and a lot of good people have came through here,” said Edwin.

The Phoebe Health System had to store the more than three thousand pavers as they worked on the tower.

Brian Roche reporting.

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