On Feb. 23, Susan Mason, of Lunenburg County, posthumously received the Frist 2016 Employee Humanitarian Award at Retreat Hospital in Richmond. The Frist Humanitarian Award was created in 1971 and named in honor of Dr. Thomas F. Frist, Sr. (1910-1998). The award recognizes individuals whose daily dedication and care giving epitomize the highest standards of quality and personal commitment to the well-being of others, not only in the hospital, but also in the community.

Debbie Willis, director of imaging at Retreat Hospital, wrote in Mason’s nomination letter: “I know Susan is an excellent example of what the Frist Award represents. Every day of her life, she went beyond the walls of our facility and reached out to whoever was in need of help. I know nothing would have been more of an honor to Susan than to have received this award. Nothing could be more of an honor to the medical imaging department than to have Susan receive this award. I know every member of her imaging family feels blessed to have known Susan and to have been able to call her their friend. She will remain in our hearts forever and will never be forgotten.”

In addition to her career in radio technology, Mason completed a law degree at the University of Baltimore. She applied her legal knowledge and skills to advocate for civil rights and to assist community leaders in the logistics of non-profit corporation status and operations. Mason also played guitar at her church, St. John’s United Holy Church in Richmond, and was an inspiring leader in the Church Youth Ministry.

Mason is the daughter of Ronald L. “Bunk” Mason and Judith B. Mason.