50 Years of Dedication: Linda Belcher Cox Retires

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By Mya Harden
Herald Contributor

WATER VALLEY – “When you are doing something you love, and you see the growth and how you’re making a daily impact on someone’s life, 50 years just pass by,” says Linda Belcher Cox, reflecting on her remarkable career. After five decades at Yalobusha General Hospital in Water Valley, Linda has retired, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, leadership, and service that has touched countless lives.

Linda, a hometown native of Water Valley, MS, was born September 5, 1956, and first started working alongside her mother as a housekeeper while still in school. Growing up in a single-parent household, supporting her mom—who worked two jobs—was a priority. She later worked at what was then called Big Yank factory in Water Valley, but Linda longed for stability and a career that offered longevity. After marrying and realizing the need to support her husband and young daughter, she took a leap of faith. With no résumé in hand, she applied to Yalobusha Hospital and was hired on June 1, 1975, beginning her journey in housekeeping.

“When I first walked into the hospital everything was clean,” Linda recalls, “and I knew I would be part of a high-ranking healthcare organization that took pride in patient care.”

After time in housekeeping, she transitioned to nursing, working as a unit secretary and in nursing service. Laughing, Linda remembers, “Back then as secretary, I had to take the written orders to the doctors and carry them to the unit nurse so they knew when and what medications to give—but now everything is computerized!” She also worked in OB/GYN and Medical units, gaining hands-on experience despite having no prior training. She performed tasks such as completing APGAR scores, measuring and weighing babies, and assisting with feedings. One moment she remembers fondly was supporting a laboring mother: “She relieved her pain by squeezing my hand during each contraction—she left imprints in my hand, but I stayed right there with her.” Linda also gained valuable experience as a nurse monitor in the surgery unit.

When asked about her most memorable accomplishments, Linda pointed to her career in Emergency Medical Services (EMS). “I worked long hours, sometimes 3 a.m. in bad weather, sun-up to sun-up, caring for critical patients.” She first served as a basic Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), then advanced her career by graduating from paramedic school in August 1999. A few years later, she was promoted to EMS Director—becoming the first African American female to hold the position at Yalobusha General Hospital. “It was harder for a female,” she admits. “The position was respected more when a male held it. But I stayed, and I grew my team into one that embodied hospitality, love, and patient care.”

Linda says her role felt like a divine calling—she couldn’t ignore anyone in need, even off duty. She recalls her best friend and sister-in-law once refusing ambulance service, but trusting Linda to get her safely to the hospital. She also experienced the pain of responding to family emergencies, including the loss of her brother to heart failure during a baseball game. Those moments, while devastating, deepened her commitment to EMS.

So how do you move on after such hard days? Linda explains, “I always had a strong relationship with God. I would ask Him to take the wheel when I didn’t know what I was doing. I asked Him to walk with me, give me strength, and take away my burdens when the load was too heavy.” Smiling, she adds, “And that’s how I moved on!”

Her impact on the community has been profound. Linda often worked extra hours—even off the clock—to follow up with patients and ensure they were cared for. The community recognized her dedication and knew healthcare was her true calling.

To those entering the field, Linda advises: “You must have a passion for what you do. Healthcare isn’t just a job—it’s a calling to help others who can’t help themselves.”

Looking back, Linda says the only thing she would have done differently was advancing her career sooner. But she doesn’t regret the choices she made for her family. She’s proud that she eventually accepted the challenge of becoming EMS Director, proving herself in a male-dominated field.

Now retired, Linda looks forward to traveling, shopping, taking cruises, visiting relatives, and simply resting without the heavy obligations of hospital life. “I’ll miss my co-workers, who became family. I’ll miss making a difference in people’s lives and being part of such a needed career. But I know it’s time to rest.”

To her staff, Linda leaves this message: “Keep God first. What He did for me, He’ll do for you. You won’t have another Linda, but be friendly, have a good heart, and it will rub off on someone who’s having a bad day. Show your love.”

She also expresses her gratitude to those who supported her journey.

“I thank Ms. Sammie McKee for encouraging me to advance my career. She believed in me and admired my work ethic. To the community, thank you for entrusting me with your care.

To my children, a HUGE thank you for sacrificing time with me while I answered my calling.” Linda Belcher Cox’s 50 years of service will stand as a lasting reminder that true healthcare is not just a career—it is a lifelong calling rooted in compassion, faith, and love for others!

(As the writer of this article, I am deeply honored to not only share Linda’s story but also to call her my aunt—a phenomenal woman whose 50 years of service continue to inspire me!)
–Mya Michelle Harden