Mary Lynn and John Coyle

John and Mary Lynn Coyle both grew up in Gainesville and have always been proud of the generous, giving spirit of the people of their hometown. The couple now lives in Mary Lynn’s childhood home, just up the road from Green’s Grocery—where in her childhood, Mary Lynn’s neighbors daily discussed the intricacies of life from what they’d have for dinner to the need of a neighbor for a visit or prayer.

“My mother knew all of our neighbors well and she greatly impacted how I see our community and my role in it,” says Mary Lynn. “She taught high school, was active in the Junior League, and was part of the hospital Auxiliary.” Mary Lynn’s father, W. Cullen McCarver, was one of the original physicians on staff of the medical center when it opened as Hall County Hospital in 1951. His days and evenings were also spent in service to the community.

“In those days, physicians made house calls,” says Mary Lynn. “Daddy delivered babies and performed surgeries at all hours. He cared for generations of the same family and was devoted to the hospital, so I couldn’t wait until I was old enough to become a candy striper and be where my Dad was every day. Except for when I was in college and when I was teaching in Tennessee, the hospital has always been an important part of my life. I think I’ve always had a genuine appreciation of the importance of the hospital’s role in this community.”

“Not so with me,” John chimes in with a laugh, “I was born in Hall County Hospital and my children were born there, but I had always thought of the hospital as a business. As a young man, I saw firsthand the importance of healthcare in the lives of the 100+ people who worked at my business, so I was not unaware. I just did not fully appreciate the gem we have in our hospital or realize the impact my involvement could make. After Mary Lynn and I married, I began to see the health system not only a hospital caring for people when they are hurt or sick but as a leading force in shaping the culture and values of who we are as a community.”

As a member of The Medical Center Auxiliary, Mary Lynn co-chaired the first Marketplace in 1991. She was the first female layperson to serve on the Board of Trustees at Lanier Park Hospital and served on the unification committee when Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS) acquired Lanier Park. She’s led the Health System’s master facility planning committee and strategic planning committee. In 2006 she was asked to serve as co-chair of the NGHS Board with the assumption that she would become chair the following year.

“After she had agreed to chair the board, Mary Lynn traveled out of town for a training attended by other health system chairs from across the country.” John says. “She called me from her hotel room the first night and said, ‘All of these people are lawyers and physicians. I am in over my head.’ I told her ‘you are the smartest, most compassionate person I know. You can do this,’ and she has served beautifully. Through Mary Lynn’s involvement, I have developed a passion for the mission of the Health System. I can think of no better place for us to give our time or resources.”

The couple has volunteered for years at the Medical Center Open Golf Tournament. Since 1997 the Medical Center Open has raised more than $3.2 million to support community health improvement initiatives.

“Funds from The Open have helped build transitional housing for homeless families, expanded services at the Good News Clinic, helped fight prescription drug abuse, and benefited a long list of community agencies. The Open is a great example of Northeast Georgia Health System Foundation’s work outside the walls of the hospital to strengthen the way we all work together,” John says.

In addition to their volunteer service in various capacities to the Health System and Northeast Georgia Health System Foundation, the Coyles have been generous financial supporters and have made arrangements to include the Foundation in their wills.

“Actually, our son was the one who suggested we consider a planned gift to the Foundation,” John says. “He worked with Woody Stewart, who was another important influence on my evolving view of our role in supporting the Foundation. We still quote Woody as saying, ‘philanthropy is the difference between a good hospital and a great hospital.’ He was right.”

“Including the Foundation in our estate plan was as natural a choice as giving to our church,” adds Mary Lynn, “and it is a simple thing to do. It allows us to continue our support even after we are gone.”

This year Mary Lynn will complete her tenure as chair of the NGHS board. Under her board leadership, NGHS has grown tremendously—including a major expansion in Gainesville and a new hospital in Braselton. The system has won numerous national and state awards for clinical excellence and been honored year after year as one of the state’s best places to work.

“The executive leadership at the hospital is exceptional,” she says. “Their awards and recognitions have not happened by chance. The organization is intentional in everything they do. Their values of being better tomorrow than we are today, bringing our best every day, and being responsible stewards with an awareness that they impact life’s most sacred moments are evident in everything they do.

“When I’m asked to speak about my work with the Health System, I always say it has been an honor and a privilege.” She’s silent as she takes a moment to reflect. “And I have been so honored. And it has been a great privilege. My parents’ modeled for me a great example of the importance of taking on challenges and giving yourself to a great cause. John and I want to do the same and are so proud to see that commitment lives on in our own children and grandchildren.”