Volunteer Spotlight: Celebrating Deloris & Her Legacy

You may have had the pleasure of meeting Deloris or catching a glimpse of her warm, welcoming smile somewhere around the hospital or at another Parrish Healthcare location. For more than ten years, she has been sharing that smile, offering a helping hand and making meaningful connections with everyone she meets. Her genuine love for people and her willingness to serve others make her a truly special part of the Parrish Care Partner family. Deloris’s story is one of perseverance, dedication and a heart for service that has touched lives throughout her remarkable journey.

Deloris’s story began in Lafayette, Louisiana, where she first worked in healthcare. In 1969, when her brother-in-law was hired by NASA, she made the move to Florida and soon discovered a place she would proudly call home. What began as a new chapter in her life grew into an extraordinary 40-year career with NASA, where she worked across several departments and embraced opportunities to learn, grow and serve. She eventually became the Crew Quarters Manager, helping prepare for astronauts and their families during the space shuttle program. Later, she moved into protocol, a role she especially loved that gave her the opportunity to meet Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton. Through every chapter, Deloris built a career defined not only by hard work but also by the relationships she formed and the experiences she carried with her.

Like all meaningful journeys, hers came with challenges, but Deloris never allowed difficult moments to define her. Instead, she held on to the belief that things would get better and that perseverance would carry her forward. The advice she shares today reflects the same determination and positive spirit that guided her throughout her career: Never give up. Do your best in everything you do and never stop learning new things. Most importantly, give the best of yourself in everything you do, and always try to go above and beyond.

After 40 years of professional service, Deloris could have embraced retirement as a time to slow down and focus solely on herself. Instead, she found another way to make a difference. Through volunteering at Parrish Healthcare, she discovered a new opportunity to share her time, compassion and love for people. She treasures her connections with the Patient Experience Team and the Care Partners she encounters, finding joy in building relationships and helping others feel welcome. For Deloris, volunteering is about so much more than lending a hand. It is about being present, making connections and reminding people that they matter.

One particularly meaningful moment Deloris recalls was being recognized by our President and CEO, George Mikitarian, at the Volunteer Luncheon. That simple but heartfelt gesture stayed with her, serving as a reminder of how special it feels to be seen, valued and appreciated. After a lifetime spent giving so much of herself to others, that recognition meant a great deal.

When asked why someone should volunteer at Parrish, Deloris’s answer came straight from the heart: Why Parrish? Because there are so many wonderful people here, so many ways to help and so many opportunities to make a difference. I can’t think of a better place to volunteer.

Her enthusiasm for volunteering is so genuine that she has encouraged her retired friends to join her, too. She wants them to experience the same joy she has found in connecting with others, forming friendships and discovering that there is always an opportunity to make someone’s day a little brighter. Deloris understands that making a difference does not always require grand gestures. Sometimes, it begins with simply being yourself, offering a kind word, sharing a smile or helping someone feel a little more at ease. She deeply appreciates the compassion shown by Parrish’s nurses, doctors and Care Partners as they care for patients through surgery and other procedures. She knows that these moments can bring uncertainty and worry, and that even the smallest act of kindness can offer comfort when someone needs it most.

That same spirit of compassion is what makes our volunteers so special. They extend the caring heart of Parrish Healthcare beyond clinical care, offering their time, life experience and genuine concern to patients, families, visitors and colleagues alike. Through their presence and kindness, they help create an environment where people feel welcomed, supported and cared for. Their contributions may not always be measured in grand gestures, but their impact is felt in countless meaningful ways.

Deloris, thank you for a lifetime of dedication, a heart that continues to serve and the warmth and kindness you share so generously with everyone around you. We are so grateful you chose to share your time, talents and beautiful spirit with Parrish Healthcare.

Volunteering is a wonderful way to give back to our North Brevard community, share your talents, meet new people and make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and families. Whether you have a few hours to give or are looking for a more regular opportunity to serve, Parrish Healthcare welcomes individuals who have a heart for helping others. If you’re interested in learning more becoming a volunteer, please click here or contact Volunteer Services at (321) 268-6111, ext. 7183 or email volunteerservices@parrishmed.com.