In the Fall of 2013, John Marshall was acutely aware of both his Christian family legacy and his deep appreciation for ministry that provides spiritual care to the sick when he developed and breathed life into the Elizabeth Mason Marshall Award. He felt convicted to promote and shed light upon a beautiful ministry that helped carry him and his beloved wife of forty-four years through the dark journey of terminal cancer. Betsy lost that battle in January of 2013 after a long and courageous struggle. John wanted to celebrate the POP Ministry and the faithful Spiritual Care Volunteers who served with such devotion and tenderness.

John relates how, “in Gods providence and loving provision, a POP Spiritual Care Volunteer visited us in Houston Methodist Hospital and regular visits quickly became a moving time and a powerfully healing part of coping and enduring the regimen of therapy. Creating a spiritual community, tailored to our faith tradition, was what we needed and it was a POP Spiritual Care Volunteer who heightened our awareness that God indeed, faithfully provides the brilliance of His love right in the midst of the darkest valleys.”

Mrs. Elizabeth Mason Marshall was a devoted daughter, sister, wife and mother of two children. Although starting life in Houston with her parents, Carrington and Dorothy Trout Mason and sister, Mary Clara Mason, Betsy and her husband John studied at The University of Texas where they met and remained until John finished law school, then returned to Houston to raise and encourage their two children to find their unique pathways of serving God. Betsy believed in the redeeming grace of Jesus Christ from a young age and served Him with gratitude to the end of her life. As a teacher, she enhanced the lives of many children and found time to be a committed Bible study leader for women of all ages.

The Elizabeth Mason Marshall Award recognizes POP Spiritual Care Volunteers who exhibit a faithful countenance of humility and servant-hearted empathy while offering spiritual community and prayer for God’s people who are sick and suffering the hospital. It is all the more meaningful that Mr. Marshall created this avenue of celebrating qualities considered to be exemplary, and yet found most supremely in the humble.

Betsy Marshall loved her dear great grandmother’s epitaph:
“I came not to be served, but to serve…” Matthew 20:28

The President of POP and the Director of Spiritual Care identify POP Spiritual Care Volunteers whose qualities exemplify this award. One POP Spiritual Care Volunteer serving in each of the following areas of greater Houston is chosen: Texas Medical Center, North, South, East, and West. The awards are presented at a POP event.

PAST HONOREES

2019

Dave Nelson – Memorial Hermann – Katy

Pictured L to R: Chaplain Devin Atherstone,
Lay Chaplain Dave Nelson, POP Chair – John Marshall,
Lay Chaplain Phil Wetz

Jacqueline Ross – Houston Methodist West

Pictured L to R: Chaplain Greg Ballard, Patrick Ross,
Lay Chaplain Jacqueline Ross, POP Chair – John Marshall

Greg Shaw – CHI St. Luke’s Hospital – Sugarland

Pictured L to R: President – AnneMarie Wallace,
Lay Chaplain Greg Shaw, Lay Chaplain Phil Wetz,
POP Chair – John Marshall

Myra Swor – Hospitals & Faith Community Outreach

Pictured L to R: Lay Chaplain Myra Swor,
POP Chair – John Marshall

Ron Tribolet – Memorial Hermann Northeast

Pictured L to R: Chaplain Jonathan Brooks, Lay Chaplain Ron Tribolet,
Lay Chaplain Phil Wetz, POP Chair – John Marshall

2017

Sylvia McCarty – North

Mack Taylor – South

Tom Tucker – East

Ron Stenzel – West

Karen Brehm – TMC

2015

Bain Head – TMC
Sang Kim – East
Mary MacMaster – West
Weldon Rogers – North
Jim Young – South

L to R: Jim Young, Mary MacMaster, John Marshall, Weldon Rogers, Sang Kim, and Bain Head

2013

Phil Wetz