Honoring the Heart of Our Community: United Way of Kershaw County Service Award Recipients
At United Way of Kershaw County, we believe in celebrating those who dedicate their lives to lifting others. During our recent Volunteer Appreciation Lunch, we were honored to recognize three remarkable individuals who have made an enduring impact through their unwavering commitment to service.
Jake Watson Award for Community Service: Jamie and Frances Guy
Jamie and Frances Guy have been named this year’s recipients of the Jake Watson Award for Community Service, an honor given to individuals whose selfless dedication has left a lasting mark on Kershaw County. As active members of Bethesda Presbyterian Church, Jamie and Frances exemplify humble service in everything they do.
Jamie has spent years advocating for the most vulnerable among us as a Guardian ad Litem, ensuring children’s best interests are represented in court. Together, the couple volunteers with organizations such as the Community Medical Clinic and Hospice, quietly but powerfully supporting critical services in our area.
Jamie also lends his time to the Rotary Club, while Frances’s baked goods bring joy to every gathering. Their strong devotion to their family, especially their grandchildren, and their constant readiness to lend a helping hand have made them beloved members of the community.
Their quiet consistency and selflessness are what this award is all about. Jamie and Frances truly embody the spirit of community service.
William and Katie Cantey Caring Hearts Award: Dr. Cindy Dieringer (Posthumous)
We are honored to present the inaugural William and Katie Cantey Caring Hearts Award posthumously to Dr. Cindy Dieringer, whose legacy of compassion and service continues to inspire all who knew her.
Created in recognition of the extraordinary generosity of William and Katie Cantey—longtime United Way partners who pledged to build 10 homes in 10 years to support affordable housing—the award celebrates hearts that give without limits.
Dr. Dieringer was a gifted physician and humanitarian whose impact spanned far beyond medicine. She served at the National Institutes of Health, Lexington Medical, and Kershaw Health, where she held roles such as Medical Director and EMS Director. Her passion for healthcare was matched only by her community involvement.
She volunteered with the Christian Community Ministries food pantry, the Community Medical Clinic, the Humane Society of Kershaw County, and New Day Transitional Housing, among others. A lover of the arts, she performed with the Kershaw Community Band and Choir, and was an active member of Bethesda Presbyterian Church.
Dr. Dieringer’s intelligence, humor, and boundless kindness left a mark that cannot be measured. The award was presented by her dear friend and colleague, Dr. Tallulah Holmstrom, and accepted by her cherished friends Darlene Maxwell, Vicky Moody, and Sarah Jowers, who continue to carry her legacy forward.
Anne Dallas Volunteer of the Year Award: Ann Davis
This year’s Anne Dallas Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to the extraordinary Ann Davis, a true cornerstone of our community. This award, renamed in 2002 to honor the late Anne Dallas—a tireless advocate and director of the Mental Health Association of Kershaw County—recognizes a lifetime of meaningful volunteer service.
Ann has been an essential part of community life for over 40 years, known for her tireless energy, grace, and leadership. As a member of the United Way Board, the NAACP, and co-chair of the Concerned Citizens of Kershaw County, Ann has long championed issues of equity, education, and civic engagement.
Her influence extends into countless areas: organizing county council meetings, town halls, and cultural events, all while maintaining deeply personal connections through handwritten notes and heartfelt conversations. As a former educator, she has a rare ability to make every young person feel seen and heard.
Described by Mary Ann Byrd as a “Class Act” and a lifelong friend, Ann Davis is truly a beacon of compassion and service. Her resilience, integrity, and joyful spirit continue to uplift those around her.
Celebrating a Legacy of Service
These award recipients—Jamie and Frances Guy, Dr. Cindy Dieringer, and Ann Davis—represent the very best of Kershaw County. They remind us that real change happens when ordinary people give extraordinary care to those around them.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to each honoree and encourage our community to follow in their inspiring footsteps. Together, we can continue building a stronger, more compassionate Kershaw County.
