News Summary
On Father’s Day, the Beaufort Memorial Collins Birthing Center welcomed four new arrivals, sparking joy for families and staff alike. Celestine Smith, Angie Lopez Merida, Yasbeth Esther Romero, and Sebastian Hunt were born within hours, each signifying a unique celebration for their families. The hospital staff created a memorable experience by crafting special gifts for the newborns, highlighting their commitment to nurturing new life in the community.
Beaufort – Four new babies brought joy to families at the Beaufort Memorial Collins Birthing Center on Father’s Day, marking a special day for both the parents and the hospital staff. Each of the newborns arrived within hours of one another early Sunday morning, contributing to an atmosphere of happiness and celebration.
Celestine Smith was the first baby born on Father’s Day, arriving at 5:15 AM. She weighed in at 7 pounds and 3 ounces and is the daughter of Katherine and Mathew Smith from Beaufort. Her arrival marked a significant moment for the couple as they celebrated the day dedicated to fathers.
Following Celestine, Angie Lopez Merida made her entrance into the world shortly afterward. Weighing 8 pounds and 5 ounces, Angie is the daughter of Dashli Merida and Mynor Lopez, who reside in Bluffton. This new addition to their family added more joy to the Father’s Day festivities.
Another delightful arrival was Yasbeth Esther Romero, who weighed 7 pounds and 12 ounces. Yasbeth is the daughter of Yamilet Hernandez and Ever Joel Romero Torres from Ridgeland. In a matter of hours, her birth marked a joyous occasion for the family.
Closing out the day’s births was Sebastian Hunt, who made quite an impression with his size, weighing 8 pounds and 15 ounces. Sebastian is the son of Danielle and Adam Hunt from Okatie, rounding off the Father’s Day births at the Collins Birthing Center with a beautiful moment for the proud parents.
The staff at the Beaufort Memorial Collins Birthing Center played an essential role in creating a memorable experience for the families. Among them were Donna Mixon, LPN, and Merrick Murdaugh, CST, who crafted special crocheted fishing gear for each of the newborns. The handmade gifts signify a heartfelt connection and a commitment to making each birth a unique and cherished event.
Photographs capturing the moments of joy with the new arrivals were provided, allowing families to preserve these important memories. The excitement generated by these births reflects the ongoing dedication of the healthcare professionals at the Collins Birthing Center, who continue to support families during some of the most significant moments of their lives.
This event highlights not only the joy that new life brings but also the role of healthcare facilities like the Collins Birthing Center in the community. By providing a supportive and nurturing environment, the center remains a vital part of the families it serves, particularly on such an emotionally significant day like Father’s Day.
The occurrence of four births in a single day is a noteworthy event for the Collins Birthing Center, showcasing both the growth of new families in the Beaufort area and the care that the staff provides to ensure a positive birthing experience for parents and their newborns. It is a celebration of life that resonates deeply with the community during a day meant for families to honor the joys of fatherhood.
As contributions from both the staff and the families come together, the Beaufort Memorial Collins Birthing Center continues to champion the arrival of new life, ensuring that each moment is celebrated both within the hospital and throughout the surrounding communities.
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Additional Resources
- Your Island News: Dad’s Greatest Gift
- Bluffton Today: Around the Lowcountry
- Your Island News: Like Mother, Like Daughter
- Bluffton Today: News from Around the South Carolina Lowcountry
- WSAV: Beaufort Memorial Hospital Relaxes Visitor Restrictions
- Wikipedia: Healthcare in the United States
- Google Search: Health Services Beaufort
- Google Scholar: Beaufort Memorial Hospital
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hospital
- Google News: Beaufort Memorial

Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.

