Oak Ridge Native Leaves Legacy of Love to Methodist Hospitality Houses

Nancy Reed bequest check presentation 6-5-17 SM — Lewis and Phyllis Phillips, Nancy’s step-father and mother, and Barb Cooksey, Nancy’s sister, present a bequest from Nancy Reed’s estate to MMC Hospitality Houses Manager Kim Maes and MMC Foundation Director of Development Jennifer Sheehan.

Nancy Reed - from family 3 SM — Nancy Reed and her beloved dog, Albert.

Nancy Reed grew up in Oak Ridge and dedicated her life to teaching. A sixth grade math teacher at Karns Middle School in Knoxville, Nancy fought a valiant battle with cancer, inspiring her students, friends and family with her strong spirit. That inspiration lives on through the many lives she touched in her teaching career; as a loving daughter, sister, aunt, and friend; and in her generous legacy to the Hospitality Houses of Methodist Medical Center.

During her treatment with specialists in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Nancy’s family stayed in a nearby hospital hospitality house – a lodging facility for those facing serious medical issues far from home. Because that facility was so important to them during a trying time, Nancy decided to contribute a portion of her estate to support the Hospitality Houses here in Oak Ridge. She passed away in June of 2016.

Last month, Nancy’s mother and step-father, Phyllis and Lewis Phillips, and sister, Barb Cooksey, visited the Houses for a tour and presented manager Kim Maes with a significant contribution to support the mission of Hospitality Houses.

“Their generosity and dedication to other patients and families facing serious illness far from home is admirable,” said Maes. “Methodist Medical Center is grateful for their desire to make an impact in this community and beyond, and to ensure that Nancy’s legacy lives on in the work of the Hospitality Houses.”

The Hospitality Houses of Methodist Medical Center have been part of the Oak Ridge community since 1997 and are supported solely through charitable contributions. Whether that’s through monetary donations, food and household necessities or in the form of volunteer support, everything offered to the Hospitality Houses is valued and appreciated.

Maes said, “On behalf of the many patients and families who rely on the Hospitality Houses during a medical crisis, we thank Nancy’s family for their incredible support. We are continually overwhelmed by the impact our houses, and those around the country, have on patients and families in need. It is the generosity of families like this one that continue to make our program possible.”

To learn more about opportunities to support the Hospitality Houses, please call (865) 835-4358 or visit mmcoakridge. com/hospitality.