(c) 2010 NPT Photo by Duay O'Neil

Iva Gilbert coos to Ashley Nayeli Antinez Euceda, age one day, on Tuesday at Baptist
Hospital of Cocke County. Gilbert has volunteered in the hospital's Maternal Infant Care
Unit for 15 years. With Gilbert are BHCC RN's Lori Cabe, left, and Melanie James.

NEWPORT-Since 1995, Iva Gilbert has probably rocked more babies in Cocke County than any other grandmother.

Known since her own babyhood as "Peanut," Gilbert is closing in on fifteen years as a volunteer in Baptist Hospital of Cocke County's Maternal Infant Care Unit.

"My granddaddy Robert Fowler called me Peanut when I was born," said Gilbert, adding, "He was known as 'Tuck.' All the Fowlers have nicknames."

"Gillian Capperelli was just starting the hospital's volunteer program," said Gilbert on Tuesday, "and had sent letters to area churches asking for people to become volunteers. She had a tea to welcome us and explain the program. I came to that and quickly found my place here."

Gilbert, whose baby-rocking experience includes two of her own children, two grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren, will celebrate her anniversary at the hospital in April.

"I bathe the newborns, feed and spoil them, and make charts for both the babies and their mothers," said Gilbert, who then laughed and added, "I'll clean the kitchen if I run out of anything to do!"

Her co-workers quickly point out the delicious cakes she furnishes for periodic bake sales and fundraisers. Money from these events provides college scholarships, have helped purchase artwork for the hospital's patient rooms, and fund the garden adjacent to the facility's main entrance.

But the best part of her job?

"Rocking the babies is the best!"

And then she added, "And being with my girls!"

The "girls" Gilbert refers to are the hospital's registered nurses who staff the MICU.

Serving on the day shift are Melanie James, Lori Cabe, Marsha Wallin, and Mildred Rader, while Amy Mills, Melissa Galant, Faye Dockery, and Jessica Duncan work at night.

Gilbert's decision to volunteer at the hospital came after she and her husband Billy returned to Cocke County in 1967 after his retired from the United States Air Force with a 20-year career.

Billy went to work for Iva's brother Chick Fowler at Newport Manufacturing and later retired again, this time from Quaker after 16 years of service there.

Meanwhile, Iva, who had done some volunteer work with Family Services in the military, looked after their Point Pleasant home and the couple's two children Donna, wife of Troy Peak and Tony, who is married to the former Linda Allen.

Troy and Donna have two children Kevin and Kelly.

Her parents, Tommy and Iva Lee (Hayes) Fowler were still living. He was a longtime road commissioner for Cocke County, serving over 20 years.

After her dad died in 1994, Iva devoted herself to the care of her mother.

"Billy told me that I needed to find something to do then, and about that time the hospital started its volunteer program," Gilbert.

Now she volunteers two days one week and one day the next week. Her workday runs about six to seven hours.

When not rocking babies or cleaning kitchens, Gilbert devotes time to Point Pleasant Baptist Church where she has been a member "most of my life."

She loves keeping her great-granddaughter Abigail Flowers, who turned one year old on New Year's Day.

"I keep her three days one week and two days the next," said Gilbert, who also dotes on Abigail's big brother Adam, who is 6.

She also processes the produce Billy grows each year. "He grows a big garden and piles everything on the kitchen table for me," laughed Gilbert. Often her hospital girls enjoy these benefits.

A couple of years ago BHCC expressed their appreciation for Gilbert's devotion to the maternity ward by naming the nursery in her honor.

"Our community is full of people who go above and beyond what is expected of them," say James and Cabe. "Some are paid for their time, while others volunteer without asking for anything in return, just for the satisfaction of being able to help others."

"Iva Gilbert is one of these people who are doing it all. She helps her family and does what she can for them and her surrounding community including her church."

"We call her 'Ms. Iva,' they continued. "She is not the only volunteer we have in our department or even in this facility. All volunteers are very much appreciated and helpful. However, she is our longtime, stick-to-it, all-around helper. She is one of the family here."

"We are so excited about having Ms. Iva here and would love to have more volunteers. It takes a special person to give of herself so freely and to help others as she has and continues to do. We thank her for all of the years of dedication and love she has given to every patient, nurse, physician, hospital staffer, and visitor who pass through these halls. She is a true Tennessee volunteer!"

How long does she plan to continue her volunteer work?

"I'll be here as long as they need me," she laughs.

Lucky for the babies.