Phoebe Volunteers Share Their Passion for Hospice Care
Albany, GA | February 7, 2025 – Providing care to patients at the end of life can be difficult work. It takes a special kind of strength and compassion to work in hospice services, and at Phoebe, those professionals are joined by dedicated volunteers who offer support, companionship, and assistance to patients and their families during some of life’s most challenging moments. Peggy Hamlin, Inez Battle, and Susie Henderson are wonderful hospice volunteers who exemplify what it means to give back with a caring heart.
Hamlin began her volunteer journey in Albany in 2003 through Camp Good Grief, a camp for children dealing with the loss of a loved one. Over the years, she extended her volunteer service to include visiting patients in their homes and now, focusing on administrative tasks at Willson Hospice House.
“I’ve always been in service roles. I like talking with people, and I was a nurse, so I understand the disease process. I also understand as a volunteer, there are lines I can’t cross as it relates to patient care,” Hamlin said.
Her life has been defined by helping others, from serving as a case manager nurse for SOWEGA Council on Aging to traveling across the country with court-adjudicated youth in the Wagon Train Vision Quest program.
“The best part about being a volunteer is helping families and patients transition through difficult times. Offering physical support by giving caregivers a break is vital because if they aren’t taking care of themselves, how can they take care of their loved ones,” she said.
For Battle, volunteering with Phoebe Sumter Hospice was an unexpected but life-changing journey. Having worked as a certified nursing assistant at Sumter Regional (now Phoebe Sumter Medical Center) for 20 years and later with dual-diagnosis patients in behavioral healthcare, her heart for helping others has always guided her.
“I didn’t intend to do this. An elderly lady where I lived worked with hospice patients, and I would take her to meetings. One day, one of the ladies there, asked if I wanted to volunteer, and the rest is history,” Battle said.
She now spends her time sitting with hospice patients, reading the Bible to them and offering comfort during their final days. “A volunteer must have a caring heart; it’s a calling because everyone can’t do it,” she said.
Henderson, who has been a Phoebe Sumter Hospice volunteer for 10 years, focuses on office work that keeps the program running smoothly. She worked at the Sumter County Health Department for 30 years, overseeing birth and death certificates. She also serves as Assistant to the Clerk at the Americus Courthouse, continuing her lifelong commitment to helping others.
“I had a friend pass away in hospice, and my mom was a hospice volunteer. I like helping people and enjoy doing what I can to make a difference,” Henderson said.
Her dedication to service has been a constant throughout her career and volunteer work. “I enjoy what I do and have been working around people all my life,” she shared.
Phoebe Sumter Hospice serves patients in Sumter and seven other counties (Schley, Macon, Marion, Webster, Stewart and Chattahoochee). Phoebe Sumter Hospice Director Fanesia Johnson says volunteers are a vital part of their team.
“Hospice volunteers bring warmth, compassion, and a sense of peace to patients and families when they need it most. Their presence reminds us that even in difficult times, no one has to face them alone,” said Fanesia Johnson, DBA, Phoebe Sumter Hospice Director.
Phoebe’s hospice services based in Albany are available to people in Dougherty and 10 other southwest Georgia counties (Lee, Terrell, Crisp, Worth, Calhoun, Mitchell, Clay, Randolph, Baker and Quitman). Hospice professionals find inspiration in the diverse backgrounds, dedication and shared passion for service of the volunteers who help them.
“We are fortunate to have outstanding volunteers who exemplify the spirit of hospice care. Their kindness, compassion, and commitment are invaluable to our patients, families, and staff,” said Margie Carder, BSN, Phoebe Home Health and Hospice Director.
If you want to become a hospice volunteer or learn more about hospice volunteer opportunities, call Hospice Care in Albany at 229-312-7150 or Hospice Care in Sumter (Americus) at 229-928-4000.