Sylvia McKoy Watts, FNP-BC, Bids Farewell After More Than 20 Years at CareSouth Carolina

MCCOLL, S.C. — CareSouth Carolina announces the retirement of Sylvia McKoy Watts, a highly esteemed Family Nurse Practitioner whose illustrious career has left an indelible mark on the field of healthcare.

Sylvia's journey in healthcare began at the Medical University of South Carolina, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing, as well as a Master of Science in Nursing, specializing as a Family Nurse Practitioner.

Over the course of her career, Sylvia dedicated her expertise to various healthcare settings, with a primary focus on Family Medicine. Her impactful contributions were felt at the Chesterfield Clinic Corp in Bennettsville, SC, Maxton Family Practice in Maxton, NC, and notably at CareSouth Carolina in McColl, SC, where she began her tenure in October 2002.

Throughout her time at CareSouth Carolina, Sylvia's compassionate care and unwavering dedication to improving the health and well-being of her patients earned her a special place in the hearts of the McColl community. Her final day will be December 1, 2023.

“Having a connection with the community and my patients, seeing generations of families, and helping in the rural setting have been the highlights of my time here,” Watts said. “Educating clients to take care of themselves and their families has been a rewarding experience. I’m officially a great-grandmother, and it’s time to go home and enjoy my family, travel, and do the things that I have put aside until this point.”

In addition to serving at CareSouth Carolina, she also held positions at Clio Medical Center, Carolina Pines Medical Center, Maxton Family Practice, and Chesterfield Clinic Corp. She shared that working at CareSouth Carolina for more than 20 years has been a joy to her.

“The company's focus on improving the health of the community we serve and the client-oriented, family-friendly atmosphere in McColl have made it a great pleasure to work here,” she said.

Sylvia's commitment to her profession is underscored by her active membership in the American Nurses Association and the South Carolina Nurses Association. Her contributions were recognized with prestigious awards, including the Ryan White Program Award from CareSouth Carolina in 2011, the Innovators Award in 2005, and the Maternal-Child Health Outstanding Award from the Pee Dee Health District- DHEC in 2000.

In addition to her professional affiliations, Sylvia's commitment to nursing excellence was acknowledged with her induction into the Sigma Theta Tau International, Omicron Chapter at MUSC. Her accolades include the Employee of the Year by the Marlboro County Health Department in 1998 and her appointment to the Board of the SC Hospital Association's Council of Nurse Managers in 1991. She also received the Dr. Frist Humanitarian Award from Marlboro Park Hospital in 1986 for her humanitarian work.

“Sylvia has been such a cornerstone to our services in McColl - she will be missed. But we wish her the very best in her retirement,” CareSouth Carolina CEO Ann Lewis said.

Sylvia McKoy Watts' retirement marks the conclusion of a remarkable 47-year career in the medical field. Her legacy as a Family Nurse Practitioner, coupled with her dedication to patients and the community, will leave a lasting impact.

“Sylvia McKoy Watts is loved and respected by her patients,” CareSouth Carolina McColl Site Manager Pat Graham said. “She will be greatly missed by her patients and co-workers. She always speaks the truth in love. I have had the pleasure of working with her for over 15 years and I know firsthand the care she gives her patients, as I have been one of them. We are happy for her but sad for us. We wish her the best as she moves on, but will absolutely miss her.”

CareSouth Carolina extends its deepest gratitude to Sylvia McKoy Watts for her exemplary service and wishes her a fulfilling and joyous retirement.