FAIRLEA- For more than three decades, visitors entering CAMC Greenbrier Valley Medical Center have been greeted by a friendly face eager to help them find their way.
At 92 years old, Edith “Edie” Sauls continues to volunteer at the hospital’s front desk, a role she has held since 1995. In that time, she has logged an incredible 6,791 hours.
Her journey as a volunteer began after her husband Roy retired from the Department of Defense. Looking for a meaningful way to spend their time, the couple decided to give back to their community. They began volunteering alongside their friend Betty Pernell.
“We needed something to do, so we kind of did something for our community,” Edie said.
Her responsibilities have varied throughout the years, and no two days are necessarily the same. She answers telephone calls, provides information, directs patients and visitors, delivers messages, and takes flowers and cards to patients. She also helps prepare folders and completes other tasks whenever hospital employees need assistance. When asked if she ever had to perform any surgeries with all that experience, she just laughed and said, “no that’s over the years,” referencing how her responsibilities casually grew.
Edie said her favorite part of volunteering is simple: meeting people.
The front desk has also given her an opportunity to reconnect with many old friends who have passed through the hospital. Whether she is providing directions or offering a reassuring smile, Edie tries to make each visitor’s experience a little easier.
She has also watched the hospital and patient care evolve during her many years of service. Through all the changes, she said one important principle has remained constant.
“Everybody puts the patient first,” Edie said.
Her active lifestyle does not end when she leaves the hospital as Edie remains involved with her church and enjoys reading and regularly visiting both local libraries. She believes helping others, staying busy, and enjoying her work have helped her remain active.
When asked what she is most proud of after 92 years, she pointed to her faith and the opportunities she has had to serve others.
“Church work, knowing the Lord, and just serving my community,” she said.
Those who work alongside Edie say her impact extends far beyond the tasks she completes at the front desk.
“Edie is truly a priceless treasure,” her co-worker Bob Daniels said.
“Her heart shines so bright to other people. She makes a difference every day that she’s here, and she makes a difference in the lives of people.”
Edie hopes that when she eventually decides to retire from volunteering, patients, visitors and coworkers will remember her as someone who was happy, fun, and always ready with helpful information. Her coworkers may also remember another special talent–her homemade banana bread.
For now, however, Edie has no plans to stop looking for ways to help. When asked what she still looks forward to at the ripe old age of 92, her answer perfectly summarized a life built around faith, kindness, smiles, and service.
“Whatever I can do to serve,” she concluded with a smile.
