Odessa Holmes, a phlebotomist at Iredell Health, will retire later this month after nearly 50 years of service. Holmes began her career in 1977 as a certified nursing assistant at Iredell Memorial Hospital. She described the hospital at that time as a close-knit community where “everybody knew each other” and staff looked out for one another.
In the 1980s, Holmes worked as a medical office assistant at gastroenterologist practices in Iredell and Catawba counties while continuing part-time work at Iredell. By the mid-1990s, she returned to Iredell full-time as a phlebotomist, a role she has held since then.
Holmes said her interest in science made the laboratory a good fit for her. She credited her supervisor, Janice Cureton, with teaching her much about the field. Many patients have requested Holmes specifically to draw their labs due to what they describe as her “special touch.” Holmes explained, “Everybody says ‘it’s an angel touch’ or ‘a blessing’ but you know, my compassion is from the heart. All of us down (in the outpatient lab) show it every day, especially with helping patients who have wheelchairs, walkers and canes.”
Holmes also played a key role in establishing the mobile car draw program for patients with mobility challenges, allowing them to have lab work done from their vehicles.
Mark Berry, Laboratory Director at Iredell Health, praised Holmes: “The name Odessa means ‘long journey’ in Greek. Odessa is a shining example of great character, work ethic, professionalism, integrity, love for the patients in the community and love for her coworkers. Her long journey has been a part of Iredell Health laboratory for many years. She always has a smile, she is an example of Iredell’s core values and more.”
As she retires after almost five decades of service, Holmes plans to travel with her husband and spend time with family. She emphasized wanting to leave behind a legacy based on respect, collaboration, integrity and compassion—the values upheld by Iredell Health.
“When I celebrated 40 years of service, Mr. Green (Iredell Health President & CEO) gave me an unsung hero award. This unsung hero wants to leave a legacy of compassion,” said Holmes.
