Many of you have attended past Community Award Luncheons honoring those who “give back” to their communities throughout the years. Due to unforeseen circumstances, this year will be a little different. On June 2, 2021, Michael McCoy suddenly passed away. Mike was a very special part of our Shepherd’s Center family. He was the Gwen’s Meals Coordinator for the past 12 years making sure many of the older adults in our communities were served meals every week. Mike had served as the pastor of the Fairview Baptist Church in Forest Hill, WV. He loved serving his church and working especially with the younger children in the church as well as the older adults. He said, “The best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person or through the eyes of a child.” Mike also served as chaplain at the Stonerise Rainelle Health Care Facility (formerly Meadow Gardens) in Rainelle. He served not only the residents there, but the staff and community as well. During the pandemic, Mike would be there for the team, providing support even when he could not enter the building himself. He was there for everyone and will be greatly missed.
Teresa Bostic, executive director of Shepherd’s Center said, “We will be honoring Michael McCoy and telling his story. It is truly amazing the number of lives he touched throughout the local communities.” The original date that was set for this event was Sept. 14, at noon at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine at the new Student Center. The luncheon is being postponed. The Shepherd’s Center is hopeful that they will be able to host this event later in the year. Further details of a new date and time for the luncheon will be announced later. Luncheon tickets as well as sponsorships are available for purchase. Lunch tickets are $75 per ticket and give you access to a wonderful lunch catered by the WVSOM O’Café. A film produced by award-winning BJ Gudmundsson and Patchwork Films will be shown at the luncheon telling Mike’s story of service. We hope this will be a time of healing for all of those who knew Michael and a wonderful celebration of his life.
If you are unable to attend the luncheon, we hope that you will consider a donation to Shepherd’s Center of Greenbrier Valley in Michael’s honor and to support the ongoing ministry of Shepherd’s Center now and as we move forward. For more information, please contact our office by phone at 304-645-4196 or by email: greenbriershepherdscenter@gmail.com.
