The Board of Directors of Southwest Christian Care has awarded Mrs. Ina Shaver as the 2008 Servant Leadership Award recipient. Shaver began serving as a hospice volunteer 21 years ago, in 1987, when Southwest Christian Hospice opened the first free-standing hospice in the state of Georgia.

Shaver has been a long-time Thursday night volunteer and her love for hospice shows in the many services she performs each week from kitchen duty, to answering the phone, to assisting and caring for the patients and their families. Gene Dyer said, “Ina is the type of person who makes a total commitment to what she believes in and she believes in hospice.” In addition, for the past 15 years, Ina has voluntarily played the piano providing “dinner music” at Southwest Christian Care’s annual banquet. She participates in their Hustle for Hope and helps raise additional funds from participant sponsors.

“Ina has so faithfully given of herself since the beginning of the hospice ministry. Ina is a true servant of others. For many years I have witnessed the love and care for the patients and their families that she has so freely given. My life has been greatly enriched by the gift of her ministry,” said Donna Rector

Shaver has been the administrative assistant at Woodward Academy’s middle school for 24 years now. Ina Shaver and her husband Buddy have been married 51 years and have three children: David, Julie and Duane.  They are also blessed with four wonderful grandchildren: Cassie, Nathan, Eric and Noah. 

Shaver was honored August 22 at Southwest Christian Care’s 16th annual Benefit Dinner and Auction Gala featuring Christian artist Michael W. Smith.