Hazel Colson – Perry Hospital unit renamed after tenured nurse

Wednesday morning, January 16th, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held just outside the doors of the Heart of Georgia Hospice Inpatient Unit at Perry Hospital to celebrate its renaming to The Hazel Colson Hospice House.

Hazel Colson, RN, did the honors of cutting the ribbon as a large crowd of her supporters and fans, as well as her family members, applauded her incredible career, achievements, and ongoing dedication. Born in 1927, she officially began her nursing career in 1945, has been practicing nursing for a total of 74 amazing years, and still currently works on a part-time basis at Heart of Georgia Hospice to this day.

As the center’s press release indicates, “Mrs. Colson has made a monumental impact through her years of service to the community here in Houston County and surrounding areas.”

Reverend Mike Parker, Heart of Georgia Hospice Board Chairman commenced the ceremony with a prayer. “Father, we thank you for the beautiful, beautiful day you’ve given us with sunshine and the cool weather,” he began. “And Lord, we thank you today for this special, special lady. We thank you for her life, for her investment, for her touch, her hugs, that have touched so many people.” Colson is known throughout the community as “Hugging Hazel,” for her famous and heartfelt hugs to everyone she encounters.

Executive Director of Heart of Georgia Hospice, Dawn Rozar welcomed all present. “We are especially proud to have her represent our organization the way she has for so many years and to now dedicate our inpatient unit in her honor. Her years of service to Heart of Georgia Hospice have been filled with prayer, and the love of our Lord, Jesus Christ, guidance, patience, warmth, hugs, and every other positive attribute you can imagine. She is an inspiration to each one of us and I would say especially so to all of the staff who have ever graced our organization. It is with great sincerity and love that we honor her now with the renaming and dedication of our inpatient unit as the Hazel Colson Hospice House.”

Before introducing Perry Mayor Pro-Tem, Randall Walker, Rozar read a letter from Medical Director, Dr. Ravi Shekarappa to Colson that stated, “You represent the face of kindness. It has been an honor working with you all these years. I always remember your warm hugs. Best wishes to you and your family.”

Walker expressed his gratitude for being able to attend the ceremony; “What a wonderful event to be a part of. I’m really blessed the Mayor was busy today,” he jested. “On behalf of the Mayor and the City Council, I have a proclamation for today. ‘Whereas there are certain individuals who give their time, their talents, efforts, and energy to the welfare of others without expecting anything in return. One such individual is Mrs. Hazel Colson. Her love for people and her understanding of the grief process is a blessing to her patients, their families, and all that need her.’”

Before presenting her with a plaque, he listed some of her accolades, which included receiving a Citizen of the Year award, a Legislative Service Award, and a ‘Robins Regional Rockstar’ title. She has also dedicated much of her time to volunteering at Camp Wings, a grief camp for children, for the past 18 years. Walker explained, “Although she has won these awards and more, she remains humble and always gives glory to God.”

The proclamation revealed, in addition to the renaming of the building, that from this day forward, January 16th will be known in Perry as ‘Hazel Colson Day.’ Warner Robins Mayor, Randy Toms and Centerville Mayor, John Harley also declared the same for their respective cities as well.

Greg Ziesenhene, Field Representative for Senator David Perdue, spoke next. “Good afternoon, everybody. It’s a beautiful day here in ‘Perry-dise.’ It is my privilege to be here today to represent Senator David Perdue.” He continued by reading a letter from the Senator written earlier that morning:

“Dear Mrs. Colson, congratulations on the renaming of the Heart of Georgia Hospice inpatient care unit at Perry Hospital as the Hazel Colson Hospice House. This recognition is a testament to your faithful service as a nurse and a friend to many. Over the seven decades you have served the people of our community, the hundreds of patients for whom you have cared, including me and my siblings, can attest to the impact that you’ve had on their lives.

Your story is an inspiration and I hope many will follow the examples you have set as ‘Hugging Hazel.’ I know the Hazel Colson Hospice House will strive to honor your legacy by providing the highest quality care to each patient who enters their doors. Few people can say that they’ve followed their calling from age four, but I think I can speak for all your patients when I say we’re glad you did.” Senator Perdue’s letter also expressed gratitude for the impact Colson’s had on not only the community, but on his own life as well.

Mayor Toms, who explained that he has resided in the Warner Robins area since 1960, took the podium next and expressed his gratitude for Colson as well. “For all of my life and longer, there has been a Nurse Hazel Colson in our community. We know, those of us who have been around for a long time, know how much this entire community loves you, Mrs. Hazel. We love your hugs, we love everything about you, and we appreciate your service.” He discussed his personal connection with Heart of Georgia Hospice involving both his mother and mother-in-law, and the amazing care and support they provided for both him and his family. He congratulated Colson and referred to her as “one of the most caring, loving individuals this earth has ever had.”

Mayor Toms called on Mayor Harley to join him in presenting Colson with a bouquet of flowers, and of course, hugs.

Human Resources Manager at Heart of Georgia Hospice, Sherry Robinson, who has “had the privilege to work alongside Mrs. Hazel for going on 14 years now,” introduced the woman of the hour. “We are so proud and I find it so fitting that a unit that is all about care and comfort and love and encouragement will be named after a woman whose whole life has been about care and comfort and love and encouragement.”

Mrs. Hazel Colson explained to the crowd, “My nursing career [actually] began in 1931,” when, as a four-year-old, she treated and splinted her puppy’s broken hind leg. “God has been with me my whole career, and that is 74 years.” She discussed how details, particularly in the medical field, have changed over time, and also, how only three members of her program (out of 21 total) passed and said, “You had to work hard and be signed off.”

Regarding Heart of Georgia Hospice, she said, “Here, we can keep patients as comfortable as we can at home, and some things that we cannot do at home, we can be able and will be able to do here. And that’s a blessing that this place will be for all of us and for all of you. Thank you all for allowing me to help take care of you, to know you, to love you. Thank you.”

To conclude the ceremony, the presenters, guest speakers, members of the Perry Chamber of Commerce, Colson’s family members, and others held the ribbon while Hazel cut it, officially renaming the unit to The Hazel Colson Hospice House.