BROOKHAVEN — Pat Duckworth began her service to the Willing Hearts Circle between 2005 and 2007 after she retired from the City of Brookhaven as a tax collector. Her years of service were rewarded at the Silver Cross Health and Rehab Center as they cut the ribbon on the Pat Duckworth Honorary Garden Wednesday.

She served the Willing Hearts Circle, Silver Cross and the Mississippi Order of King’s Daughters and Sons as a member and chairman and never missed a meeting. 

Pat did not know they were dedicating the garden to her until they mentioned she was a member of First Baptist Church Brookhaven. 

“I had no idea,” Pat said. “I found out today. When they said she is a member of First Baptist Church I thought ‘That may be me.’ It is overwhelming and feels undeserving.”