Published: November 02, 2009 06:27 pm      

Giving her time

When Jane Davis retired from her job with the Texas Department of Health’s health clinic in 1997, it didn’t take her long to realize she wanted to volunteer to help her local community.

Though she has given of her time for many years, Davis has volunteered for the past nine years as a patient advocate for Palestine Regional Medical Center through the Sunshine Guild, the hospital’s volunteer auxiliary.

“I wanted to give back to the community,” Davis said. “I’m the type of person that likes routine. When I retired I just couldn’t stay home and clean house the whole time. I needed something to keep me busy.”

Davis visits the hospital rooms and bathrooms to make sure they are clean and if she sees something in need of repair, she lets the proper hospital department know.

“I visit the floors to ask patients if they are doing OK and if they have any problems, I visit with them and take care of the problems,” Davis said. “I help patients with whatever they need — maybe they need to do a living will, so I help them with that. I might bring them a magazine or newspaper, or if they don’t have any visitors, they may just want someone to talk to.”

Davis also works as a go-between for the patient and the hospital.

“I think it’s good for the hospital because if there is a problem, I can help get the problem corrected,” Davis said. “My main objective really is to build up goodwill toward the hospital — it’s a wonderful hospital with a great staff and I enjoy volunteering there.”

On Friday, Davis chose to dress up as a fairy godmother for Halloween.

“I wanted to do something that wouldn’t scare the patients — and what better way than to be a fairy godmother who can bring good wishes, good health and happiness?” Davis said.

She made the costume herself with material on hand only spending $4 for a plastic wand and tiara.

“People really had a good reaction to my costume. When I arrived there were two men sitting on the bench in front of the hospital who immediately recognized who I was and asked me to bless them with good health,” Davis said. “The patients really enjoyed me coming to spread good thoughts and health throughout the hospital as a fairy godmother.”

Davis said she particularly enjoys dealing with the elderly in the hospital.

“I love the older people — they are so sweet and appreciative of you,” she said. “I’ve found that if I go in with a positive attitude it makes a world of difference in their attitude. They talk more and open up.”

PRMC also has two other patient advocates who volunteer their time — Harold Skimore and Linda Landrum.

Davis also fills in as a volunteer when needed at the Stockpot of Palestine, which serves meals to the needy during the week.

Davis and her husband of 51 years, Jim, have three grown children, nine grandchildren and one 4-month-old great-grandchild. Their children include: Roy Davis of Elkhart, who works for Union Pacific; Karl Davis of Louisiana, who works as a stockbroker for Edward Jones; and Jayne Davis, a school teacher in Sugar Land.

Davis attends Crockett Road Church of Christ. In her spare she enjoys volunteering, working in the yard, home decorating and going to exercise class.

The Davis family moved to Palestine 41 years ago — wanting their children to go to smaller schools. All three of their children graduated from Palestine Independent School District.

“I have no regrets moving here — Palestine is a wonderful town,” Davis said.