A Legacy of Service and Generosity Lives on at Shriners Children’s Lexington

For Georgia and Harold Travis, giving was never about recognition. It was about people and stepping in quietly when help was needed most.

That lifelong commitment to service became a lasting legacy in late 2025, when the Travis family fulfilled a $373,000 gift left through the couple’s estate to Shriners Children’s Lexington. The unexpected gift will help support patient care, innovation and access for children for years to come.

A Gift that Took Everyone by Surprise

Even for the team at Shriners Children’s Lexington, the gift was unexpected.

“We had no idea this was coming,” said Cambry Gossett, senior philanthropy director at the medical center. “Gifts like that don’t come to our facility very often, so I can’t thank them enough.”

For family members Jerry and Sheyla Felts, both of Corbin, Kentucky, learning about the gift was just one part of understanding the impact Georgia and Harold hoped to make. A visit to the Lexington facility made that impact real.

During their tour, Jerry and Sheyla walked the halls, learned how care has advanced and saw firsthand how children and families are supported at every stage of treatment. At times, the experience was emotional.

“It really hit us,” Sheyla said. “Seeing what happens here, seeing the kids, you understand immediately why this meant so much to them.”

A Life Rooted in Service

Georgia E. Travis was born July 27, 1925, in Alva, Kentucky, and lived a life defined by generosity and quiet leadership. After a long career with BellSouth, where she retired as an assistant manager, Georgia remained deeply involved in her community. She was a member of Eastern Star and Telephone Pioneers and was known for helping family members, neighbors and local ministries whenever she saw a need.

Georgia died June 14, 2025. She was 99.

Those closest to her remember someone who gave freely, whether through financial support, encouragement or simply showing up when someone needed help.

“She believed in giving as a way of living,” Sheyla said.

Her husband, Harold B. Travis, shared that same servant mindset. A U.S. Army veteran who retired as a colonel, Harold continued his life of service through active involvement with the Capital City Shrine Club and Oleika Shriners. He served as president of the Capital City Shrine Club in 1985, a role that reflected both his leadership and his commitment to supporting children through the Shriners International mission.

Together, Georgia and Harold lived their values consistently, giving quietly and without expectation of recognition.

A Heart for Children

Though they never had children of their own, Harold and Georgia cared deeply about children and families. Their support of Shriners Children’s went beyond financial contributions.

Jerry said Harold had been a Roadrunner for some time, personally transporting children and families to and from medical appointments to ensure they could access care.

“They didn’t just believe in the mission,” Jerry said. “They lived it.”

That belief ultimately shaped their decision to leave a gift that would continue caring for children long after they were gone.

A Legacy that Continues

For Jerry and Sheyla Felts, seeing how the gift will be used confirmed their loved ones’ legacy is exactly where it belongs.

“It’s emotional,” Jerry said. “But it’s also comforting to know what this will mean for kids and families who need this place.”

As Shriners Children’s Lexington celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, the story of Georgia and Harold Travis serves as a reminder that a life rooted in service can shape the future, one child, one family and one act of generosity at a time.