Hailey Heseltine
ECB Publishing, Inc.
Over many years to come, the front lawn of Big Bend Hospice (BBH) of Jefferson County will slowly become cool and shady as two young oak trees extend their growing branches outward. The trees were recently planted to honor the memory of Barbara and Robert Moody in recognition of the family's history of service. This physical representation of their daughter's love and the community's appreciation is visible to travelers on U.S. Highway 19 as they head into the heart of Monticello.
Kathy Moody, Barbara and Robert's daughter, made the donation for the trees to be acquired and planted, as well as for the installation of bronze commemorative plaques. Barbara was known as a longtime member of the Jefferson County BBH Advisory Council, serving as a community ambassador for BBH and playing an instrumental role in bringing the new BBH of Jefferson County office to life through her donations and activity. The Monticello location only became a reality less than two years ago, when it opened its doors on Nov. 14, 2024.
BBH stated in a press release regarding the donation, “The Big Bend Hospice Foundation has recognized that this donation further demonstrates the community-driven desire to create an office that blends in with the aesthetics of Monticello … Thanks to the efforts of Barbara Moody and the generosity of other major donors and community members, the office in Monticello will be a beacon of hope in Jefferson County for years to come. ”
Big Bend Hospice of Jefferson County is located at 615 N. Jefferson St. For information on the services provided by BBH, contact Traci Wood at 850- 878-5310 or twood@bigbendhospice.org. For information on becoming a volunteer and/or council member, contact Advisory Council Liaison Brooke Mariscal at 850-328-8629 or bmariscal@bigbendhospice.org; or Volunteer Coordinator Andrea Zinker at 850-566-7485 or azinker@bigbendhospice.org.