Dr. Henry Threefoot laid to rest
HENRY K. THREEFOOT, M.D., a longtime member of the New Orleans medical community, died at 93 on December 15th, 2020 at East Jefferson General Hospital (EJGH)—a public hospital he helped found early in his career following Hurricane Betsy.
DR. HENRY THREEFOOT
Dr. Threefoot was a charter member, founder, and president of the Jefferson Parish Medical Society, and chairman of the Jefferson Disaster Committee. He served as Chief of Staff, sat on the foundation board and admitted the first patient to the EJGH. For the past 15 years, he served as a volunteer staff member for EJGH guest services.
Dr. Threefoot served on the LA State Medical Advisory Board, LA State Compensation Oversight Board and Jefferson Parish Council on Aging. He volunteered at Tulane’s Charity Hospital Clinic, was an associate professor at the Tulane School of Medicine and was the team doctor for the football team at East Jefferson High School.
Following his retirement from private practice in 1990, Threefoot also became a physician consultant at Lammico, the state’s largest provider of medical malpractice insurance, where he taught students and fellow doctors proper procedures and how to treat patients with dignity and compassion.
Born in Meridian, MS., Threefoot was raised in Selma, AL. before moving to New Orleans, where he attended Tulane University. After a year studying pre-med, he enlisted in the United States Navy at 17. He served at the San Diego and Charleston Naval Hospitals and, following the culumination of the war, returned to Tulane to graduate with his bachelor in science degree. He followed that with his doctor of medicine degree from the Tulane School of Medicine and was awarded the Querens-Rives-Shore Award for medical research. He followed graduation with an internship at Cincinnati General Hospital, and a residency at Charity Hospital, He later opened a private practice in Internal Medicine
Threefoot was a dedicated vegetable gardener in his spare time and loved playing tennis. He also was an avid angler, particularly enjoying freshwater fishing and followed Tulane University sports as a faithful fan. He only missed a few home games over the past 75 years and was looking forward to seeing them in the Idaho Potato Bowl this year. When the Saints franchise came to New Orleans, he became a season holder of seats for his family, thus making the Saints a part of his family’s tradition.
Threefoot was predeceased by his wife of 39 years, Barbara Alcus Threefoot and his son Steven Alcus Threefoot. He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Audrey Grigg Hammill Threefoot; his daughters, Betsy Threefoot Kaston (Jeff) and Amy Threefoot Valeiras (Horacio) and daughter-in-law Kate; his step-children, Graham Hammill (Richard) and Ashley Hammill Brickman (Barry); nine grandchildren and four great granddaughters.
Dr. Threefoot’s family requests any donations be made to the Henry K. Threefoot, M.D. Scholarship Fund at Tulane University, to Temple Sinai, or to the charity of your choice.
Dr. Threefoot was laid to rest at Hebrew Rest Cemetery on December 18, 2020, following a private, graveside service by Rabbi Daniel Sherman. There will be a Celebration of Life for Henry K. Threefoot at a future date, which will be held at Temple Sinai for all family and friends.
