Covington County native Kenny Holt is stepping down from hospice care after more than a decade of work in the county.

Holt is the first ever hospice nurse in Covington County.

She said that it was something that she was supposed to do.

“In 1993 I left the hospital with Dr. Maddox to start a hospice,” Holt said. “Unfortunately that did not work out, so I had to find another doctor to work for.”

Holt said she worked for several doctors before finding her calling as a hospice nurse.

In 2003, Holt left her job in Greenville to work at a hospice care in Andalusia and Brewton.

“I felt like God called me to do this work and I love every minute of it,” Holt said.

Holt has seen many changes over the years of her work, but she said that technology has been the biggest change.

“All these iPads and laptops have definitely created a challenge,” Holt said. “They are hard to deal with.”

Even though technology has changed things, Holt still says that patient care is her favorite part of the job.

“Everybody that is dying needs someone there when they pass,” Holt said. “I am more than happy to take care of somebody when they pass on.”

Holt said that if she could go back in time and give her younger self some advice it would be to just be with the patient, love them, take care of them and be there for them.

“You know you can’t save them, so making them comfortable is the most important thing,” Holt said.

Taking care of terminally ill patients is no easy job. To make sure mental health is ok, she turns to God.

“Every morning I read my Bible and pray,” Holt said. “I firmly believe that God gives you the strength to be happy so I cling to that belief.”

In Holt’s spare time she loves to work in her yard, tends to her horses and does anything that deals with animals.

Since she has spent most of her life working, Holt does not know what plans she has after retirement.

“I guess whatever comes up, I’ll do,” Holt said.

The Comfort Care Hospice in Andalusia is having a retirement reception in honor of Mrs. Holt today from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Comfort Care Hospice and welcome anyone to come.