top of page
Writer's picturerealgraphicsweb

Hospice in the Pines Receives Small Business of the Year Award



Since 1986 Hospice in the Pines has been a staple in our community and continues to share the same compassion that it was founded upon more than 32 years ago.  This premier healthcare organization was the first and remains the only not-for-profit hospice to serve Angelina County.  The vision of Hospice in the Pines, Incorporated began when five community leaders who were willing to undertake the philosophy initially introduced in the United States by Dame Cicely Saunders.  Long-term Board Chair Joe Byrd initiated the labor of the hospice program after his wife had been diagnosed with a terminal condition and no palliative care programs existed in Lufkin, Texas.  Hospice of Lufkin (former name) was introduced a year later and rapidly grew to incorporate eleven additional counties and in 1990 adopted the name Hospice in the Pines. Today thirty-two years later, this exceptional group of professional leaders have branded themselves as one of the best independent healthcare providers to effectively address pain and manage symptoms with palliative measures within East Texas.



Hospice in the Pines is now a program dedicated to providing care to individuals with a life-limiting illness and their families.  Hospice in the Pines operates as a free standing not for profit organization directed by a volunteer assembly of community leaders who serve as the Board of Directors.  The Directors provide financial advice and guidance while establishing the provisions to assure the organization’s success.  Hospice in the Pines functions its day-to-day operations under the direct leadership of the appointed Chief Executive Officer, Demetress Harrell along with five assigned Managing Directors, two of which are hospice and palliative care certified. Hospice in the Pines serves a total of twelve counties and works daily to assure that every patient maintains their dignity.  The organization has many respectful professional disciplines to include the only palliative care certified Medical Director’s, (Dr. Sid Roberts and Dr. Carlton Lewis as well as Dr. Joey Koch) and nurse practitioners, nurses, certified aides, master’s level social workers, chaplains, community liaisons, as well as business clerical personnel.  



Hospice in the Pines is dedicated to making their patients and families a top priority assuring quality is always over quantity.  As we look back on the rich history of Hospice in the Pines, and recognize that this was the first hospice to serve Lufkin residents. This program has incorporated a legacy that cultivates various avenues of service from owning as well as operating a medical equipment division, thrift store, community service room in the Lufkin Mall and many may remember the gift wrapping station directed by hospice volunteers.  Hospice in the Pines is still identified for their community involvement and commitment to working with our local Chamber, supporting all healthcare alliances as well as investing in the projects of other non-profits.  In 2018 this extraordinary organization remains the leading hospice provider and is the only non-for-profit hospice serving our County defined by their 2018 Elite status in patient satisfaction, voted Lufkin’s Best Hospice in 2014, 2016, 2017, & 2018 and holds the distinguished honor of being recognized by Texas & New Mexico Hospice Organization as Hospice of the Year in 2015.  Every leader of Hospice in the Pines has received honors from the TNMHO and continues to set the standard in end of life care.  

Hospice in the Pines is privileged to serve Angelina County and we can all say we love our Community.



This great organization is truly a distinguished program and deserves the recognition of Small Business of the Year in the large category.  This honor is for all of our team and the unselfish commitment they provide daily.  


We are a brand that bands with unity for the community that we serve…..see our logo & know we are here for you!


Hospice in the Pines, Incorporated – long/good standing accolades, memberships & alliances

  • Licensed by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services

  • Deemed status under the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

  • Members of National Hospice & Palliative Care Organization

  • Members of the Texas & New Mexico Hospice Organization 

  • Members of the Texas Non-Profit Hospice Alliance

  • Members of the Center to Advance Palliative Care

  • Rejoining Texas Association of Homecare & Hospice

  • Members of National Council of Hospice & Palliative Care Professional

  • Members of National Association of Social Work/Texas

  • Members of our Angelina/Lufkin Chamber of Commerce

  • Members Texas Association of Healthcare Volunteers 

Hospice in the Pines, Incorporated is comprised of Hospice Homecare, Hospice Inpatient and the Joe W. Elliott House. 


Hospice Leadership

Demetress Harrell – CEO 

Amber Warner – Clinical Director

Claudia Guzman – Director of Employee Relations

Terry Campbell – Finance Director 

Napoleon Shaw – Administrative Director

Paul Johnson – Program Director

108 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

ความคิดเห็น


ปิดการแสดงความคิดเห็น
bottom of page