Saturday, November 16, 2019
Mrs. Betty Charlesworth was my loyal, faithful, devoted, caring, thoughtful, hardworking volunteer for the Visually Impaired Veterans at the Tulsa VA Outpatient Clinic for several years, from the time her husband enrolled at the clinic for services. She extended her volunteering to the Visually Impaired Veterans served in the Muskogee catchment area too. There are only 2 Visual Services Team Coordinator (VIST) in the State of Oklahoma, therefore, Betty served Visually Impaired veterans in half the State of Oklahoma. I, Olukanyin BodeHarrison was the VIST Coordinator and Betty served the veterans which included her husband, side by side with me.
I am very grateful for her wisdom, energy, foresight, organization skill, toughness when she needed to be and gentle and generous when she needed to be. I could always count on her. I served her husband and she always made sure he was on time to his clinic appointments for all of his care. She was very attentive to him and very sensitive and respectful of him in discharging her duties towards him as dictated by his care providers.
Her husband was a member of the Blinded Veterans Association (BVA) and she promptly joined the support organization, the Blinded Veterans Association Affiliate. Her husband was the BVA Secretary for many years and you can say, Betty was the Assistant Secretary (BVAA). She was brilliant and kept meticulous record of everything. She was a self starter and an encourager. She encouraged several Veterans' spouses to join the organization and stay active. She held several positions with the BVAA while still assisting her husband with the BVA activities. She loved children and enjoyed going to Schools and Churches to talk about the BVA/BVAA. She received VA Central Office commendation several time for her tireless efforts to make sure that the veterans receive great medical serves and improved on their social activities. She planned several outings for the veterans. She provided transportation to many and visited our blinded veterans when in hospital. She was relentless in her efforts in making sure that the new visually impaired veterans know about the VIST program and kept me informed on veterans needing VIST services. She was very generous with her time and money, all in the services she provided to the veterans. She was not afraid of any position at the VA. She was vocal in demanding services for the veterans at the Clinic and at home. She has so much energy, I feel dizzy sometimes just trying to keep up with her. When I tell her I am tired, she would reply, "I know, I know, just do it!" She would not hesitate calling me at home to make sure that something is done for a veteran needing an urgent service. She followed up on the veterans by calling them at home to make sure they are okay and encouraging them to join the BVA. Yes, she worked on the spouses too to join the BVAA! She called veterans for their birthdays and reminded them of their clinic appointments. She helped set up transportation for them as necessary. Are you asking if she was a paid staff? The answer is "No".
Her volunteering did not end on weekdays. Her energy was intoxicating and very refreshing! She could be as patient as she could be impatient; it just depends on the priority she set. She also could be very considerate. She would say," Yes, Kanyin I know you are in the field away from the office today, but, I left a note on your desk regarding a veteran I want you to attend to before you go home today." What can I say? I might as well go to my office after parking the Government Vehicle to read the note and be ready the following work day to give her an acceptable service plan for that issue regarding the veteran. She was quick to console and prompt to direct. She did not believe in "self pity". I heard her say so many times, "just do it!" She pushes herself hard. She treated others much better (her dog included), than she treated herself. When scolded for not taking better care of herself, you get "I know, I know, what else is new!" It was always others first; even as she slowed down due to illness. What a life! I am very glad and thankful that our paths crossed.I still feel lucky!
When I retired in 2017, I never lost contact with her; by now, you know she did not give up on anyone. She had become like a family to me. Always checking on me and keeping me informed on what is going on in the organization and the VA. She continued to work with the BVA/BVAA headquarters in Washington, D.C. She was well respected by the respective offices. They know she truly cared. If she were Catholic, we could start canonization procedure on her. What she did for others was not a show; it was an extension of herself. She was not looking for acknowledgment and felt uncomfortable when singled out. She was always very quick to point out the strength of an individual and encouraged and motivated them. She believed in growth and that a human being should continue learning and serving till called. She lived that. Her loving memory will remain with me for ever!
I thank the Charlesworth family for sharing this precious individual with us at the VA and especially with me. She was like a member of my family. She has been welcomed as a good and faithful servant. She was a Christian and she embodied it. My life has been enriched from knowing her as I did. This is not a time to be sad, but a time to be thankful to God for giving us Betty and God is rewarding her by taking her to Himself. So long, beautiful soul Betty, till we meet again. Love you always. Kanyin (Koin)
