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Posted May 26, 2006
In Memoriam, Brenda Cothren Smith
On December 16, 2005, the Blair E. Batson Hospital for Children and the Friends of Children's Hospital lost one of their staunchest supporters, dedicated volunteers and dearest friends'Brenda Cothren Smith. Forever shy about accepting recognition for her hard work and dedication, Brenda spent her time passionately serving Mississippi's most vulnerable population, our sick and injured children. "Brenda was an exceptional volunteer who gave her time for the very best of reasons. She simply wanted to help and she inspired others to do the same," says Tena McKenzie, Associate Director of Public Affairs at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. "I had the honor and privilege of working with Brenda for almost 20 years at the Blair E. Batson Hospital for Children," says Suzan Thames, chair of the Friends of Children's Hospital. "She only had one focus: to improve the quality of life for the sick and injured children at our children’s hospital." When Brenda joined Friends in 1989, she never would have expected that her family would need the services provided by Batson Hospital. However, in 1996, Brenda's nineteen-month-old nephew, Cole Freeman, was diagnosed with liver cancer. Cole was the "light" of Brenda's life. "Cole was in many ways my soul mate. He would come and spend days with me without his parents. He and I could look at each other and know what the other was thinking," she described. Over the next 2 years that Cole struggled for his life, Brenda experienced Batson Hospital first hand. She became intimately familiar with the hospital's needs and saw directly where the money she had been helping to raise was going. At 4, Cole lost his battle with cancer. Although many people might have chosen to distance themselves from the hospital because of such a tragedy, Brenda only became more involved. "I will always be a part of raising money for the hospital. It is my way of making sure that someone else may not have to go through the loss of a child they loved so very much," she vowed. Brenda served as President of Friends of Children's Hospital two times, head of Nominations and was involved in numerous fundraisers. She served as co-chairman and was involved with all Enchanted Evening Under the Stars galas. She additionally co-chaired, handled sponsorships, solicited art, and was on the Advisory Board of the Candlelighters Art Auction, a benefit to raise funds for the Mississippi Children's Cancer Clinic at the Blair E. Batson Hospital for Children. She always reminded everyone, "It's not about us, but the kids!" And was one of those special individuals who led by example. "She led us with quiet and calm diplomacy, always serving others, never expecting or wanting recognition. She kept our focus always on the children and their needs. She taught us 'gracious dedication,'" says Thames. Brenda also had the rare capacity to see others' strengths and the ability to inspire them to action. "It is because of Brenda's faith in me that I agreed to serve as President of Friends. As Nominating Chairman, Brenda convinced me that I had the ability to lead this group. I remember her saying, 'Your time has finally come' you can't say NO," says Suzanne Hosford, Friends of Children's Hospital Board President. Brenda, herself, was diagnosed with cancer in early December 2005. Even though she was the one in need, she still sought to comfort others. She told her loved ones that she'd made peace with what was happening to her and, so too, must they. Her memorial service was held on December 20, 2005. Brian Brewer from Northminster Baptist Church eulogized: "Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. Such was surely the life that Brenda led." Brenda was survived by her husband of 31 years, D.P. Smith, her family and many, many friends. But, just by simply knowing her, as one of her friends puts it, "She made all of us hold ourselves to a higher standard' she made us better people." Suzan Thames concludes, "Brenda's legacy of unselfish loving will forever live in my heart and the hearts of all those privileged to have known her." Brenda we will miss you. |