Related Links... Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge

Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge recently unveiled the Jane Manly Quiet Room in the acute care wing, decorated in memory of Bill Manly's late wife.

Manly, of Oak Ridge, and his wife, Jane, are long-time friends of the hospital, where he served many years on the hospital board.

The Quiet Room is a place where families of patients come to grieve, meditate or make difficult life decisions.

A dedication ceremony was attended by Manly's friends, family and hospital staff. After the ribbon cutting, Wilma Brantley, MMC chief nursing officer said MMC "has always been grateful to Bill Manly and his great mind, time, energy and contributions."

"During the last few days of Jane's life, Bill and his family and friends spent many hours in this room. It was a very different room then: dark and cold, the sofa was lumpy and the chairs were uncomfortable. After Jane's death, Bill told me he wanted to redecorate the room in Jane's honor," Brantley said.

The dedication ceremony included "Amazing Grace" sung by Ann Henry, assistant manager of employee health. In addition, Richard Hettrick , pastor of Bethel Presbyterian Church, Kingston, shared that "it is fitting that a place of solace be dedicated to the memory of Jane, who with Bill extended gracious hospitality in their home to so many."

After thanking those present, Manly said he is in the process of establishing a foundation to cover the expenses of renovating the room every four to five years.

"We will do our best to keep this room bright and cheerful; this is Jane," Manly said.

Jenny Edgar, MMC manager of customer services, coordinator of the renovation project, said Manly "was thinking of improving the conditions for other people in his time of grief. He has put a lot of energy into helping improve us, but this has touched my heart the most."