Dr. Jerry R. Luther and Lois Rembert, longtime employees at Bryan W. Whitfield Memorial Hospital, were honored Thursday evening with a plaque ceremony.

Luther, who joined the BWWMH staff in 1976, was honored with the newly-named Jerry R. Luther Diagnostic Imaging Suite. During his time at BWWMH, he assisted the Diagnostic Imaging Department and watched it grow with the services of x-ray, ultrasound, nuclear medicine, computed tomography scan, mammography and magnetic resonance imaging.

Randy Dearman, administrative director of diagnostic imaging, worked under Luther for 23 years, and said it was an honor to work with him.

“He was always professional, and he always cared about this facility,” Dearman said. “He cared about the patients most of all. I’m very thankful for the path that led me to working with Dr. Luther for so many years.”

Luther said it was an honor to be recognized by the hospital.

“I consider this to be an extremely high honor,” he said. “The people that work in the imaging department make it go, and I am extremely honored.”

Rembert, who retired this past October after 48 years of service at the hospital, was also recognized with a plaque.

Catherine Hughes, RN, division director of Patient Care Services, said her four years with Rembert taught her a lot about what she does.

“I spent four years with Lois, and she taught me so much,” Hughes said. “I came here with 36 years of experience under my belt, and still learned so much from her. She is the epitome of the kind of employee you want.”

Rembert said she is grateful to be recognized by the hospital.

“I am very honored and grateful,” she said. “I want to thank the administrators, the medical staff and the board of directors. It was an honor to work with so many people over the years. I also want to thank God for all His blessings.”

Mike Marshall, CEO and Administrator of Tombigbee Healthcare Authority, said both Luther and Rembert helped the hospital get to where it is today.

“Their commitment to excellence and to the community did so much for this hospital and for the community as a whole,” he said. “They are true examples of what I call servant leadership.”