Fuqua Retires after 43 Years with NMMC
Registered Critical Care Respiratory Therapist Sherry Fuqua of Women and Children’s Services recently retired after almost 43 years of service with North Mississippi Medical Center.
Sherry was practically reared at NMMC, having started here in 1979 after graduating from South Pontotoc High School the previous year. She joined the staff as a nurse’s aide working nights on 5 West. Her original intention was to enroll in nursing school, but she soon became interested in respiratory therapy.
In 1982, she transferred to NMMC-Pontotoc and later that year earned her certification in respiratory therapy from Itawamba Community College. In 1983, she moved back to the main hospital in Tupelo and worked nights in Respiratory Therapy. She was part of the original crew that opened Women’s Hospital in 1986. She furthered her education and became a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) in 1989.
Respiratory therapy is Sherry’s passion—she thrives on the challenge and the required critical thinking skills. “We have a big responsibility,” she says. “We’re the first ones they call when something goes bad.”
Throughout Sherry’s career, she covered Women’s Hospital and Pediatrics at the main hospital. In recent years, the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit has become her primary focus. “It’s very rewarding to see some of these babies now and realize how far they’ve come,” she says. “To see a baby who weighed 2 pounds or less at birth now be a healthy, active child or even adult. It’s nice to know you’re a little part of that.”
Over the years, Sherry has been honored as NMMC’s Respiratory Therapist of the Year multiple times. She also became certified as an Asthma Educator and Neonatal-Pediatric Specialist.
For Sherry, retiring from NMMC will be somewhat like leaving home. “These people that I have worked with over the years have become like family to me,” she says. “Also, we get to know the families of our NICU patients because many of them stay so long—and we stay connected to them after they leave. I cherish the friendships I have made here.”
Not only did Sherry find a fulfilling career at NMMC, but she also met her husband here. She and Fred, who retired as a pharmacist eight years ago, have a son. Nick, is a pharmacist with NMMC Cancer Care’s Specialty Pharmacy and Home Infusion. She also has two step-children, Marti (Mark) Neaves of Guntown and Clint Fuqua of Saltillo—and two grandchildren, Riley and Emma Kay. She looks forward to spending more time with them, as well as with her mother, Betty Sappington of Pontotoc, exercising at the Wellness Center and cheering on her Ole Miss Rebels. Sherry is an avid runner, competing often in 5Ks, 10Ks and half-marathons, plus an occasional triathlon.
