DEDeep East Texas Nurse Honor Guard
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About Deep East Texas Nurse Honor Guard
When a nurse’s life and work deserve to be remembered, Deep East Texas Nurse Honor Guard brings that recognition directly to them and their families. Volunteer nurses provide free Living Tributes for nurses nearing the end of life, including those receiving hospice care, and Nightingale Tributes after a nurse has died. In 2024, the group performed 28 Nightingale Tributes, giving families a meaningful way to honor a nurse’s professional life and service to others.
Deep East Texas Nurse Honor Guard offers free, volunteer-led ceremonies specifically for active, retired, and student nurses, including LVNs, RNs, and APRNs. Across 11 Deep East Texas counties, its tributes preserve nursing traditions such as the Nightingale Pledge, Nurse’s Prayer, Final Call for Duty, white rose, and Nightingale Lamp.
Programs
The concrete work this nonprofit runs. Each program may later become a fundable project.
Living Tribute
A ceremony for nurses nearing the end of life, including nurses receiving hospice care. The honoree may participate and reminisce about their nursing journey. The ceremony can be held at home, in long-term care centers, hospitals, or hospice centers, and includes a white rose and blanket.
Nightingale Tribute
A ceremony performed after a nurse has passed away. It includes the nurse's biography, the Nightingale Pledge, the Nurse's Prayer, and the Final Call for Duty. A white rose and Nightingale Lamp are presented to the family.
Casket Honor Guard
Families may request a Casket Honor Guard as part of a Nightingale Tribute.
About this work
Mission
The mission of the Deep East Texas Nurse Honor Guard is to recognize and honor fellow nurses who have devoted their lives to the nursing profession and to caring for others.
Who they serve
Active, retired, and student nurses, including LVNs, RNs, and APRNs, whose service is within a 60-mile radius of Lufkin or in the organization's listed service counties. Families of honored nurses also receive tribute services.
Their impact
- Conducted 16 Nightingale Tributes in 2022.
- Paid tribute to 30 nurses by the end of 2023.
- Performed 28 Nightingale Tributes in 2024.
- Honored 18 nurses as of June 2025.
How your donation helps
- Essential operational costs
- Supplies for tribute services
- Future nursing school scholarships for deserving students in the community
Need help?
How someone in need can access Deep East Texas Nurse Honor Guard’s services.
Families can request a Living Tribute for a nurse nearing the end of life or a Nightingale Tribute after a nurse has passed away. Requests can be made by calling or texting 936-414-1397, emailing info@detnursehonorguard.org, contacting a facility director, social worker, hospice nurse, funeral director, or clergy member, or completing the Tribute Request Form. The organization requests a couple of days' notice when possible so volunteers can be secured. Services are free of charge and are available to eligible active, retired, and student nurses, including LVNs, RNs, and APRNs.
Stories
The people behind the work.
In their words
“Nursing isn't just a job, it's a calling; it's the giving of oneself to enhance the lives of others.”
“This is my ‘Why.’ This is why I founded the Deep East Texas Nurse Honor Guard—to give back to those who gave so much, and to ensure that no nurse leaves this world without the honor and recognition they’ve earned.”
“The gratitude we receive from families is deeply moving. It reminds us that our work matters, even after a nurse’s final shift ends.”
Ways to help
Concrete needs and volunteer roles Deep East Texas Nurse Honor Guard has shared.
Current needs
- Donations to cover essential operational costs and tribute-service supplies
- Items from the organization's Amazon Wish List
- Support for the planned establishment of nursing school scholarships
Volunteer opportunities
- Active, retired, and student nurses can volunteer their time as members of the Nurse Honor Guard.
- LVNs, RNs, and APRNs can participate in Living Tributes and Nightingale Tributes.
- Nurses present at a Nightingale Tribute are welcome and encouraged to participate.
Recognition & press
Awards & recognition
- Recognized as an officially recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 2025.
In the media
- Lufkin Daily News featured the Deep East Texas Nurse Honor Guard after its 2022 Nightingale Tributes.
- Charm Magazine published an article and photo spread about the organization in its July 2024 edition.
- The Messenger interviewed the organization's president in 2025.
Partners & funders
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this nonprofit and how its work happens.
What is the difference between a Living Tribute and a Nightingale Tribute?
A Living Tribute is for a nurse nearing the end of life, including a nurse receiving hospice care. If able, the honoree can take part and reminisce about their nursing journey. A Nightingale Tribute takes place after a nurse has died and includes the nurse’s biography, the Nightingale Pledge, the Nurse’s Prayer, and the Final Call for Duty.
Where can a tribute ceremony take place?
Living Tributes can take place at home, in long-term care centers, hospitals, or hospice centers. Nightingale Tributes can be held at funeral homes, churches, other places of worship, or gravesides.
Who is eligible for a Nurse Honor Guard service?
Any active, retired, or student nurse who is an LVN, RN, or APRN and whose service is within a 60-mile radius of Lufkin is eligible. The organization also honors student nurses who die while in nursing school.
Can families customize a tribute ceremony?
Yes. Tribute ceremonies can be shaped around the wishes of the deceased or the family. Families may also request a Casket Honor Guard.
How much notice should be given when requesting a service?
When possible, the organization asks for a couple of days’ notice so it can secure volunteers.
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