Our Board of Directors

My name is Brandi Barringer, and I am the Founder and President of the Deep East Texas Nurse Honor Guard.

A little about me—I’m proud to call Lufkin home, born and raised. I graduated from Lufkin High School, Class of 1995. Nursing has always been in my blood. My mother is a nurse, and both of my in-laws were nurses. I followed in their footsteps and began my journey at Angelina College, earning my Vocational Nursing Certificate in 2007 and my ADN in 2011. I went on to earn my BSN from Texas Tech University in 2021—Wreck ’Em Tech 👆 (my oldest son is TTU Class of 2025)! My career has been dedicated to Women’s Services—specifically Pediatric, Well Baby, and NICU nursing. Outside of nursing, I’m passionate about Dachshunds, Ford Mustangs, cruising, traveling, and soaking up the sun at the beach. I've been married to my high school sweetheart since June 2001, and we have two grown sons. I am a proud Texas Army National Guard mom. 

In early 2021, I came across a video of a Nurse Honor Guard Tribute that moved me to tears. I found it incredibly beautiful, but I never imagined I could participate—public speaking terrified me. Just a few months later, on September 26, 2021, my mother-in-law passed away. As I searched desperately for a Nurse Honor Guard to honor her, I discovered that no groups were able to travel to Lufkin. At that moment, I knew what I had to do. I made some calls, posted on Facebook, and invited every nurse I knew. Despite my fears, I stood in front of family and friends and gave our very first Nightingale Tribute—to honor my mother-in-law. It was one of the hardest and most meaningful things I’ve ever done.

Nursing is often a thankless calling. We don’t do it for praise—we do it out of love and dedication. But nurses deserve to be honored, especially at the end of a life spent serving others. The gratitude we receive from families is deeply moving. It reminds us that our work matters, even after a nurse’s final shift ends.

This is my “Why.” This is why I founded the Deep East Texas Nurse Honor Guard—to give back to those who gave so much, and to ensure that no nurse leaves this world without the honor and recognition they’ve earned.

In November 2023, I became the Texas State Coordinator for the National Nurses Honor Guard Coalition.

My name is Lori Fleming, and I am the Vice President of The Deep East Texas Nurse Honor Guard. 

I was very honored to be selected for this position by our President, Brandi Barringer. I feel extremely proud to be a part of such a wonderful group of retired and active nurses who honor our fellow nurses who have passed on.

A little about me. I knew I wanted to be a nurse in my junior year of high school. I was always interested in human anatomy and knew I wanted to pursue a career in the medical field. I started out in 1990 working as a nurse’s assistant in a small hospital in my hometown right after graduating from high school. I applied and was accepted into the nursing program at Angelina College in the early 90s, but did not complete their program. In 1995, I was accepted into the LVN program at Kilgore College and graduated in 1996. I worked for a couple of years in nursing homes and assisted living facilities until I decided to return to school to obtain my ADN. I entered into the transitional nursing program at Kilgore College in 1998 and graduated with my Associate of Applied Science in Nursing degree in 2000. I moved to Lufkin in 2000, soon after graduating, to be closer to family. I began working on a Med/Surg/Pediatrics unit of a local hospital. I have also worked in the SNF, orthopedics, Med/Tele, and IRF units of local hospitals, along with a couple of years of home health. I am currently the Intake Coordinator RN for the IRF at a local hospital and absolutely love my job.

I look forward to what the future holds for our honor guard group. I have watched it grow from its very beginnings and have high hopes that it will continue to grow. It is always such an honor to pay tribute to one of our own, and it makes my heart swell when family members show such appreciation toward us.

Hi, I'm Jennifer Stanley! I am the Marketing/Public Relations Officer for the Deep East Texas Nurse Honor Guard. 

My early experiences as a young mom with less-than-ideal hospital care inspired my nursing career. Becoming an LVN in 2009 and then an RN in 2022, I've focused on patients’ well-being in the hospital, home health, and ambulatory care in my years of nursing, with a passion for patient safety and improving the lives of patient populations. 

Beyond nursing, I'm honored to be the Marketing/Public Relations Officer for the Deep East Texas Nurse Honor Guard. This is incredibly important to me as we dedicate ourselves to honoring deceased nurses and their lifelong commitment to care. Sharing their stories and our work is a privilege.

My nursing background gives me deep respect for my colleagues, and the Honor Guard allows me to give back and acknowledge those who came before us. Both my nursing and Honor Guard roles are driven by a passion for caring for people, and I’m honored to be here to help.

Hi, my name is Mona Lisa Moye, and I am the Deep East Texas Nurse Honor Guard Secretary.

I’m a Registered Nurse currently working in the Rehab Department at CHI St. Luke’s Health Memorial. I’ve proudly been a part of this hospital since 2001. For over 17 years, I served in the Emergency Room, and before that, I gained experience on the medical-surgical floors.

Before becoming an RN, I worked as an LVN for 15 years in various hospitals across West Texas—including Midland-Odessa and San Angelo—as well as in Houston at several Memorial system facilities.

I’m married to Robert Allen Moye, and we have three wonderful children. In my free time, I enjoy fishing, walking, and relaxing with some good TV. I’m passionate about nursing and truly love what I do.

As for retirement—I’m aiming for 2026, but until then, I’m committed to continuing the work I love.

Thank you  

Destiny Smith - Treasurer

My name is Destiny Smith, and I was raised in the close-knit community of East Texas. From a young age, I knew I was called to help others. I always felt drawn to teaching and caregiving, though I wasn’t sure exactly what career path would allow me to do both. That clarity came during one of the most vulnerable times in my life.

While pregnant, I was placed on extended bedrest in the hospital. It was during this time that I experienced firsthand the compassion, skill, and dedication of nurses. The care I received went far beyond medical tasks — it was emotional, human, and deeply inspiring. Those nurses changed my life, and in doing so, helped me discover my calling. I knew then: I wanted to become a nurse and offer that same level of care to others.

I have now been a nurse for 14 years. Over the course of my career, I’ve had the privilege of working in a variety of settings including MedSurg, home health, hospice, long-term care, and quality assurance. Each of these areas taught me something unique about the human experience — about resilience, empathy, and the importance of holistic care.

Nursing, to me, is not just a career — it’s a calling and a community. It is a family built on mutual respect, trust, and an unshakable commitment to the well-being of others. Being part of this profession means being part of something bigger than yourself.

It is truly an honor to serve, to heal, and to stand alongside fellow nurses — especially as part of Nursing on Our Guard, where we uphold the dignity and dedication of our profession. Every day, I strive to pay forward the care that once lifted me in my most difficult hour  

My name is Karen Matthews, and I proudly serve as the Historian for the Deep East Texas Nurse Honor Guard. I am honored to be an original member of this meaningful organization.

My nursing journey began at the Pasadena School of Vocational Nursing, where I graduated in 1977. In 1989, I earned my Associate Degree in Nursing from Angelina College. Over the course of my career, I specialized in Cardiac and Dialysis nursing, dedicating myself to the care and well-being of patients in critical stages of life.

I retired in 2021 after decades of service, but my passion for nursing and honoring those who served our profession continues through my work with the Honor Guard. Outside of nursing, I have a deep love for travel—whether it's by land, sea, or air, I enjoy exploring new places and making lasting memories.