News : VGH Honors Legacy of Dr. Tony and Dottie Anthony Renaming Scholarship

Brittany and Dottie

Tony and Brittany Usher

Jodie Bearbower

Virginia Gay Hospital is proud to announce the renaming of the Tony Anthony Nursing Scholarship to the Tony & Dottie Anthony Scholarship, in lasting tribute to the extraordinary lives and legacy of Dr. Sherman "Tony" Anthony and his wife, Dottie Anthony Anderson. The scholarship, which supports Virginia Gay Nursing & Rehab employees pursuing a healthcare career, will now reflect the shared spirit of service, care, and generosity that both Tony and Dottie embodied.

Dr. Anthony joined Virginia Gay Hospital's medical staff on August 30, 1962, and retired on September 20, 2005, after more than 40 years of devoted service to the residents of Benton County. Upon his retirement, he was named an Emeritus Member of the Medical Staff. He passed away in 2012 at the age of 79 at VGH Nursing & Rehab-leaving behind not just a professional legacy, but one deeply rooted in compassion and mentorship.

Following his passing, the Anthony family established a $12,000 scholarship fund to support staff members committed to nursing careers. In 2023, Dottie Anthony Anderson further extended that legacy with an additional gift of $30,000. Beyond her generosity, Dottie was also a cherished presence in the facility-brightening lives by playing the piano and offering friendship to residents and staff alike.

Two remarkable women, Jodi Bearbower and Brittany Usher, whose careers and lives were touched by Tony and Dottie, shared heartfelt reflections that speak to the Anthonys' lasting influence.

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Jodi Bearbower: First Scholarship Recipient (2012)

"I'm honored to share a special milestone in my journey at Virginia Gay Hospital Nursing & Rehab. I was the very first recipient of the Tony Anthony Nursing Scholarship in 2012.

My career at VGH began in high school as a C.N.A., and with dedication and the support of Dr. Tony and Dottie, I continued my education to become an LPN. They took a genuine interest in my growth and were my biggest cheerleaders.

Over the years, through both professional and personal interactions, they shared countless moments of kindness. I'm forever grateful for their belief in me and the lasting impact they've had on my life and career."

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Brittany Usher: A Life Touched by the Anthonys

"I started caring for Dr. Anthony when I was just 16, working as a home health aide in his home around 2005. At the time, I was also attending CNA classes at my high school. I continued caring for him at Virginia Gay Nursing & Rehab as a CNA and OMT until his passing in 2012, just before I earned my RN.

One of my favorite memories is studying CNA vocabulary with Doc on his front porch-him with a beer in hand, me nervously reviewing flashcards. Even with his health challenges, he was still focused on helping me succeed. That moment says everything about the kind of person he was-a giver, a teacher, and a servant.

Dottie, too, was a guiding light in my life. After Doc passed, she remained present, celebrating my nursing school graduation, attending my wedding, and always offering words of encouragement. I had the privilege of caring for Dottie during her final hospital stay, a full-circle moment I will forever hold dear.

Their legacy of philanthropy, selflessness, and deep compassion lives on through their children, grandchildren, and those of us fortunate enough to have been part of their story."

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Virginia Gay Hospital is honored to carry the Anthony legacy forward through the Tony & Dottie Anthony Scholarship, empowering new generations of caregivers with the same generosity and spirit of service that Tony and Dottie modeled so well.