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(The E-Series) Founding Moments: The Vision that Inspired a Movement – Part 1

In part one of this special episode, we're joined by Hospice of the Piedmont volunteer and co-founder, Vance Davis. Vance takes us on a sentimental journey to the early days of Hospice of the Piedmont. He highlights his own upbringing and how early encounters of loss, grief and the end-of-life experience helped pave the way for what would someday be Hospice of the Piedmont.

May 1, 2024

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Hospice of the Piedmont · The E-Series: Founding Moments – The Vision that Inspired a Movement (Part 1)

Guest Bio: Vance Davis was born in 1939, a child of the southern Appalachian mountains. Vance finished Spring Creek High School in 1957 and attended High Point College, graduating in 1961. From there, he went to Yale University Divinity School, where he received his BD in 1964. Vance returned to NC to serve as minister to the Highlands Methodist Church. He returned to graduate school in 1966 at Drew University (NJ) where he received his Ph.D. in Christian Ethics in 1970. Vance once again returned to NC in 1972 to become Associate Minister of the Asheboro First United Methodist Church. He was there for one year, when he received an offer to teach in the Religion Department of High Point College. Vance remained at High Point for 33 years first as teacher, then as administrator (Vice President of Academic Affairs) until retiring in 2006. Vance is married to Janet L. Davis (34 years) and they have three children and six grandchildren.

Presented by Hospice of the Piedmont and Hospice of Randolph, The E-Series is an educational webinar series aimed at engaging our community, exploring relevant topics and educating about ways to connect with our organization. Funding for The E-Series is provided by the Dr. John A. Lusk Fund for Hospice and Palliative Care Education. To listen to previously recorded episodes of The E-Series, click here.

Your entire team was amazing. They are very professional in their work but also have big hearts and it comes through in how they do their work and in their positive attitudes.

- Daughter of patient

Thank you for making your home like her home, warm and comfortable.

- Sister of a patient (in reference to Hospice Home)

Your kindness and efforts go far beyond the patients and extend to their families and friends.

- Family of a patient

Everyone who cared for my wife was, without exception, caring, kind, and exceptionally capable individuals who seemed to truly care about her well-being and care.

- Husband of a patient

Your staff (at Hospice Home) was confident, thoughtful, kind and very loving to my mom. When we couldn’t be there or take care of her needs, you took care of her.

- Son of a patient

My mother spent her last days in your facility. I want to thank you for the gifts you gave to her and our family. The dignity, caring, professionalism, and kindness will remain a bright part of our saying goodbye to our mother.

- Daughter of a patient

My family and I would not have made it without Hospice.

- Daughter of a patient

For many veterans, military service is the most important thing that they have done in their lives. As part of We Honor Veterans, those patients are now paired with a volunteer who also served in the military and share a common bond.

- Joe Lyons, Hospice volunteer

Thank you for all of your care, concern, education and kindness during Mom’s last year. My grief journey has had a lighter backpack because of Hospice.

- A patient’s daughter

Their touch, their time, their words were the comfort of a lifetime.

- A patient’s family

We were privileged to have the support of (Hospice)…They nurtured and cared for my husband as if he was their only patient.

- Wife of a patient

Me consuela saber que mi esposa tuvo los mejores cuidados gracias a Hospice. La ayudaron a ella y a nuestra familia en todas las maneras posibles.

- Marido de un paciente

I thank God for putting good people in the right job for people like me.

- Patient family member

We were so impressed by your staff and your desire to help us. No one wants to need Hospice, but when a person does, it is a tremendous blessing. Thanks again for the care you gave my dad, and ultimately all of us.

- Daughter of a patient

I would like to say that you have a beautiful Hospice Home. It is so nice and serene. I love the “quiet spots” that you can go to and meditate. Thank you so much in helping make my mother’s last days on this earth a little better and comforting.

- Daughter of a patient