Barbara C. Daves

Daves, Barbara C. 79, passed away November 17, 2013 after a four year struggle with dementia. Barbara was born in Hartford, KY on February 4, 1934. She graduated from Hartford High School at the tender age of seventeen and then bravely entered the nursing school at Norton Hospital in Louisville. She was the youngest member of her class. She graduated three years later and started her nursing career at Norton Hospital. Barbara loved being a nurse and often said, “I am just crazy about the job. It’s a wonderful profession and I would never do anything else.” Barbara held several positions at Norton and received awards recognizing her dedication as a registered nurse. She was made head nurse on 3 East in 1955, coordinator of patient care for the East Building in 1968 and Certified Infection Control Nurse in 1980 and in 1997 was nominated Nurse of the Year. Barbara was described by the late Jim Petersdorf, CEO of NHC, Inc. as the “Epitome of Quality.” During Barbara’s years of service at Norton’s Hospital the Courier Journal has numerous pictures of Barbara illustrating the work and dedication of being a registered nurse. In 1977 the Courier Journal had a photographer follow Barbara while at work at Norton’s Hospital showing “The busy hand of a nurse who loved their work”. During Barbara’s years at Norton she received numerous cards and letters from her patients thanking her for the good care she gave them. She also received thank you notes from doctors, thanking her for her excellent care she had given their patients. Barbara had a retirement party at Norton’s Hospital in 1997 with a large group of doctors, nurses, friends and hospital administration staff in attendance.

Barbara was a very active member of 9th and O Baptist church in Louisville, KY. She loved the lord and taught the 5th grade girls Sunday school class. She could be depended on to work the nursery, go on visitation and help serve church meals when necessary. Barbara and her husband were very active with the younger members of the church.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents Charles Carden and Dorothy Carter and her brother James B. Carden.

She is survived by her husband Edgar C. Daves Jr., sisters Jean Midkiff and Brooke Green, son Glen Daves, stepson Mark Daves, stepdaughter Debbie Metcalfe, one granddaughter, five grandsons and one great granddaughter.

A service honoring the life of Barbara will be held Thursday at 12 noon at Evergreen Funeral Home with burial to follow at Evergreen Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday from 3-8pm at the funeral home. Please leave your condolences for the family at www.evergreen-louisville.com.