Rush Foundation Hospital recently recognized Jean Avera as the Volunteer of the Year in the Mississippi Hospital Association’s Volunteer Society’s annual program.   

    Avera joined the Rush Volunteer Auxiliary in 2002, almost immediately after retiring from a 24 -year career at Citizens National Bank in Meridian.  

    “Jean is a very generous person, with a servant’s heart,” a hospital press release states. “She generously volunteers her time at Rush Foundation Hospital, often working extra to fill in shifts when others are ill or on vacation. She always works extra hours when the volunteers sponsor special events such as the jewelry and book sales. And, she lovingly assists her fellow volunteers who need transportation or extra assistance when they are ill.  

    “Jean is a very humble person and while often nominated for this honor over the years, has heretofore declined being recognized. She has served in every leadership role on the Rush Volunteer Board except for president because she ‘doesn’t like the limelight.’  In addition to her service at Rush, Jean is very active in her church and gives generously of her time to church projects as well.

     “Rush Foundation Hospital is fortunate to have many unsung heroes like Jean Avera. We are very thankful that she serves as her brother’s keeper as a Rush Volunteer.”