Heaven is More Beautiful Now
Date: September 28, 2009

The impact of a single life can touch our hearts in ways we never forget.

For those of us on the Inpatient Rehabilitation unit, that life was Beverly Colvin. 

We called her Beauty because she was beautiful on the inside and out. She always had a smile on her face and carried herself well. Beauty would often bake pecan pies and bring them to work for all of us to enjoy. Our director, Karen, said that Beauty had an infectious smile and laugh, and always wore curly wigs that fit her personality. We joked about how they were her Tina Turner wigs, and called her a diva. She was very well liked and had a great sense of humor.

Beauty was a licensed practical nurse who worked on the Inpatient Rehabilitation unit for five years. She was diagnosed with kidney cancer in October of 2008 and her prognosis wasn’t good. Throughout her sickness and in her last days, we never left her side and did our best to make sure all her needs were met.

When she was sick, we posted a note to make others aware of Beauty’s circumstance–and the Floyd family responded immediately. Co-workers on the Inpatient Rehabilitation unit and the Emergency Care Center, Intensive Care Unit and Surgery–some who had never even met her–prepared food and brought it, so Beauty and her family didn’t have to worry about grocery shopping or what they would eat.

Beauty’s daughter, Brandy, a CNA who also works on the Inpatient Rehabilitation unit was staying with her mother, helping to take care of her and also looking after her two young sons. We made it a point to find out what Beauty’s grandchildren liked, so we could give them items to take to school for lunch and help Brandy out, so she could devote her full attention to her mother.

Beauty couldn’t believe it. They didn’t know her personally, but they really wanted to help. Other employees provided financial help and even shared earned time from their accrued time banks.

Beauty worked until she couldn’t work anymore and chose to stay home under hospice care in her last days. We all noticed her dedication to her job and family, and it was very touching.

One day, a few of us went to visit Beauty at home. We just jumped in the bed with her and talked and talked. We told her we were jealous, because she got to go to heaven. We made sure she was never alone and also provided relief for Brandy when she needed it. We kept Beauty company round the clock and took turns spending the night with her.

Beauty passed away on August 16 this year, in a room filled with her family and co-workers. At least 30 of us from Floyd were at the funeral, and afterward, we brought food, helped serve it and stayed to clean up.

At her funeral, the minister recognized Beauty’s Floyd family. He said that in addition to her real family, she also had an entire other family from Floyd that rallied around her.

On the Inpatient Rehabilitation unit today, a screen saver on one of the computers reads: Heaven is more beautiful now with our Beverly. We miss her whole-heartedly, she was wonderful.

Beauty left a lasting impression on us. At Floyd, we often say we’re a family, and I believe the way we came together to support Beauty and her daughter during this time, is a beautiful illustration of that truth.

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