About 25 people attended in person, for the first time since 2019, the Tree of Life ceremony at the Greene County Medical Center in Jefferson Thursday afternoon.

Greene County Medical Center Foundation Director Nancy Houska made some opening comments, followed by remarks from First Baptist Church in Jefferson Pastor Daniel Cunningham. He referenced the Tree of Life in the Bible as being a place that Adam and Eve were banished from, but it is only through reaching the paradise of God, humans can attain the Tree of Life.

Medical Center CEO Chad Butterfield talked about the significance of the Tree of Life and the meaning behind it.

“This afternoon we remember our loved ones. We recognize grief, but we also cherish the memories and celebrate the lives of our loved ones. On behalf of our dedicated physicians,  nurses and our entire team, I want to wish you a blessed holiday season and a happy new year.”

About 68 individuals were honored with the Tree of Life. Individuals and families who also purchased an ornament for the tree in remembrance of their loved one were able to take those home following the ceremony.