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Words like “dedicated” and “devoted” barely even scratch the surface when describing 89-year-old Peggy Buzzard of Opp, who has been a longtime volunteer at Mizell Memorial Hospital.

A retired nurse and a proud member of the Mizell Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, Buzzard began volunteering nearly 28 years ago on Oct. 7, 1997.

“My vocation led me to Opp and Mizell,” Buzzard said. “I began my nursing training in Pennsylvania and then worked in South Florida and the Panhandle. That’s where I met a family whose son needed nursing care. When they moved back to their hometown of Opp, I told them I’d go, too.”

Born and raised in Clearfield, Pennsylvania, Buzzard later moved with her parents to Bonifay, Florida, after their retirement. At age 50, she met her patient, a quadriplegic man paralyzed from the neck down, just eight miles away in Caryville. She would care for him for the next 24 years.

“Over time, he became more independent, which gave me a bit of free time. I had also been a patient at Mizell, and working with him reminded me of the hospital where I had trained and worked,” she said.

At Mizell, Buzzard assists the Health Information Department with filing and preparing charts for scanning. When not focused on those tasks, she runs errands throughout the hospital.

“Volunteering gives me a sense of well-being,” she said. “It keeps me active, which is especially meaningful as I approach my 90th birthday next month. I believe it helps me stay healthy both mentally and physically.”

Buzzard will turn 90 on July 27. She arrives at Mizell around 12:30 p.m. each day and volunteers three to four hours daily, except Thursdays.

“One of the most rewarding parts of volunteering at Mizell is meeting people. I’ve met folks from all walks of life. Everything I do keeps me busy and connected,” she said.

In 2024, Buzzard was honored with Mizell’s Image Maker Award in recognition of her years of service.

“I’ve been volunteering for a long time. Being recognized like this feels fabulous,” she said.

When asked what keeps her going year after year, she didn’t hesitate.

“This role gives me purpose. Opp and Mizell feel like home to me. I don’t have immediate family here; mine are in the Graceville and Esto areas of Florida. This hospital and community have become my family,” Buzzard said.

Buzzard encourages others to volunteer their time, whether at a hospital, school, or church.

“If you have the time, use it to help others. Show them the tasks that need doing and work with them,” she said.

She added that Mizell has maintained its core values throughout her years of service.

“The people and attitudes haven’t changed. We’re all here to care for the patients, their families, and the visitors. This role has taught me that I can get along with anyone, no matter who they are.”

Outside of the hospital, Buzzard enjoys reading Danielle Steel novels and playing bingo at the American Legion. She is the proud mother of four daughters, grandmother to six grandchildren, and great-grandmother to 13.

The Mizell Memorial Hospital Volunteer Auxiliary is a dynamic membership organization whose members perform volunteer work to provide patient and hospital support, fundraising, and community outreach. Funds are raised for hospital services and improvements that contribute to the comfort and happiness of patients and families.

“I want to thank Mizell’s administration for letting me serve. It means a lot,” Buzzard said.