By: Danielle Harkins
On Thursday, September 18, 2025, Union General Hospital (UGH) in Farmerville, Louisiana, hosted a special celebration in honor of its 50th Anniversary.
The event opened with a welcome from UGH Board President Tim Tettleton, followed by an invocation from Bro. Kurt Auger of First Baptist Church of Farmerville. A special recognition from Speaker of the House Mike Johnson was presented by his Deputy Chief of Staff, Chip Layton.
Farmerville Mayor John Crow reflected on the days prior to UGH’s founding, sharing memories of the former Terral Hospital, Dr. Booth, and Dr. Wadlington—facilities and physicians who played an important role in providing care to the community before Union General opened its doors in 1975.
One of the featured speakers, Mary Kay Lee, shared her experiences as Union General’s first dietitian, hired in March 1975 just prior to the hospital’s ribbon cutting that April. She recalled an early visit from a Harvard physician who introduced a then-groundbreaking study on the use of baby aspirin for heart patients—a treatment now widely recognized and practiced. Lee also reflected on the challenges of the hospital’s approval process, as well as the pride of earning a prestigious 5-Star Rating.
Union General Hospital CEO Dianne Davidson expressed gratitude to all involved in organizing the celebration and announced the unveiling of several commemorative plaques, which will be displayed in the hospital lobby as part of a permanent 50th Anniversary exhibit. The plaques included:
- Current Hospital Governing Board – Tim Tettleton, Daniel Hunter, Allyson Crow, Kristy Fine, Debra James, Danny Smith, and Bessie Warren.
- East Union Hospital Service District Board of Commissioners – Alice Bailey, Lance Futch, Joel Taylor, Sheri Banks, Stacey Gatson, Eugene “Bubba” Hoggatt, and Charles Young.
- Union General Hospital Foundation Board – Judy Read, Patsie Pearson, Bessie Warren, Robert Ray Taylor, Dianne Davidson, Alice Bailey, Thomas “Tuffy” Fields, Mary Kay Lee, Evalyn Ormond, and Tim Tettleton.
- CEO Recognition Plaque (1974–Present) – Tom McCarty (1974-1980), Mike Monk (1980-1981), Robert Ray Taylor (1981–86), Randy Morris (1987), Dr. James Patterson (1987–88 and 1990–92), George Tosspon (1988-1990), Eddye Jo Albritton (1992), Evalyn Ormond (1992–2023), and current CEO Dianne Davidson.
- Special Recognition – Honoring Bessie Warren for 42 years of service on the board.
- Special Recognition – Honoring Dr. Steven Venters for 25 years of service.
- Special Recognition – Honoring Dr. Steven Unkle for 39 years of service.
The hospital’s history was also highlighted during the ceremony. On April 6, 1975, Union General Hospital hosted its ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony, officially opening a state-of-the-art, $1.8 million facility with 35 beds and the most advanced technology of the time. Tom McCarty served as the hospital’s first administrator, Mable Stennett as Director of Nursing, Steve Norris as Chief Pharmacist, and Mary Kay Lee as Dietitian.
Local excitement was high for the dedication, with community members recalling Governor Edwin Edwards’ visit to participate in the ribbon cutting—an event some residents fondly described as a “celebrity sighting.”
Serving as the first doctors for UGH were: Dr. A.C. Wadlington, Dr. J.E. Booth, Dr. John G. Norris, Dr. James Patterson, Dr. Addison Ward and Dr. Joe Gilmore.
Just a few months later, in July 1975, the Union General Hospital Auxiliary was formed to support the hospital through volunteer service and fundraising. The founding board included: President – Doris Eldred; President-Elect – Lois Spencer; Vice President of Membership – Donna Ward; Vice President of Fundraising – Bill Hollis; Vice President of Programs – Lillian Edwards; Recording Secretary – Suzanne Wood; Corresponding Secretary – Lela Turpin; Parliamentarian – Tiny Talley; Volunteer Service Director – Mattie Gray Bird; Ways and Means Chair – Fannie Elliott; Nominating Chair – Lucille Stewart; and Treasurer – Hermoine Yarbrough.
For 50 years, Union General Hospital has remained a cornerstone of healthcare in Union Parish, serving generations of families with dedication and excellence.