Signature HealthCare honors Hometown Heroes
DOVER, Tenn. –Four Houston County residents were honored at the Signature HealthCare Hall of Fame Café on Oct. 15 for their distinguished service with a moving service preceded by a reception catered by A Family Affair of Cumberland City.
It was a glitzy, uplifting evening befitting the honorees.
Honorees included residents Charles Brooks and Cora Sue McMillan, staff member Nellie Drummond and community member David Hardin. Each had his or her bio read, a video presentation of his or her life was presented and their award was not only presented but a copy was unveiled on the wall.
Brooks
Assistant Commissioner of Veterans Services John Drnek and Chaplain David Steppee presented the award to Brooks.
They told of his life – he was born in 1927 and served during in the Army World War II in Japan. He was widowed twice. As part of the Greatest Generation, he was given a standing ovation.
Brooks said that he was the “runt” of his family and “always put my heart into everything.”
Although he admitted that he would rather be living at home, he is no longer able to do so, and so he considered Signature an “ideal place” for folks who cannot live alone.
“They treat me well, and I thank the good Lord for it,” he concluded.
McMillan
McMillan was honored for Professional Achievement, and Medical Records Director Maria Brake and Quality of Life Director Lisa Moore made the presentations.
Born in 1938, McMillan came from a large family. She worked in a shoe factory for years before becoming Houston County Circuit Court Clerk in 1968, serving for 38 years.
The pair drew laughs as they described the feisty McMillan, whose “heart was as big as her opinions.”
She has one son and three grandchildren.
The social honoree delighted in the proceedings.
Drummond
Assistant Director of Nursing Joyce Warfield and Director of Nursing Terry Lyle made the presentation to Drummond for her Dedication and Service.
Born in 1960, she graduated high school in 1979 and became a wife and mother. When her children went to school, she worked first at Austin Peay State University, and then she started at Royal Care (the forerunner of Signature) in 1989. In 1990, she earned her CNA certification, and she took off from there. Over the course of 26 years at the facility, she continued her schooling, serving as activities director and restorative nurse, among other positions.
The pair said that Drummond had received a number of awards over the years, calling her one of the most hard-working people they knew.
She has three children and one grandchild, and she is an active member of Mt. Sinai Baptist Church.
Hardin
Houston County Fire Department Assistant Chief Bill Hall and Administrator Barry Cotton made the presentation to HCFD Chief and Houston County Emergency Management Agency Director David Hardin.
Hall said that Hardin was “not only a boss but a mentor and friend.”
A Church of Christ minister since the early 1960s, Hardin, his wife and three children settled in Houston County in 1974, ministering at the Erin Church of Christ for 27 years. He currently preaches at the Stewart Church of Christ.
Besides ministry, firefighting is his passion; he has been a firefighter for 41 years. He has served as Erin Fire Chief and now as chief of HCFD; he is also on the E911 board.
Hardin had cancer in 2013 and he is now in remission.
He had just a few words for those in attendance, saying, “I couldn’t have done it without all of you.”
The ceremony
In his opening remarks, Administrator Barry Cotton expressed how important it is to share stories of special people in order to inspire the folks around them. By evening’s end, he enjoined those in attendance to honor the stories of the awardees “and go create your own stories. Let them inspire you to be great.”
Following the presenting of the colors by the Army National Guard, Stephanie Clark and John Smoker performed the song “Love Can Build a Bridge.”
Signature Chaplain David Steppee offered the opening prayer, and Resident Council President welcomed the 125 or more community members, residents, guests and honorees in attendance.
Lydia Walker performed some original music, including “Successfully You” and “Go Where You Send Me.”
Jackie Steppee read the Hometown Hero poem, telling the crowd that although she has read the poem at the event in the past, it really hit home this year that everyone has a story, and that the residents of Signature HealthCare are all Hometown Heroes.
Rick Gordon, a local law enforcement officer, and a friend also provided some musical entertainment, and they and the other law enforcement personnel in attendance got a standing ovation for their service as well.
Terri Lyle, longtime Signature staff member, was recognized for touching so many lives during the years. She is retiring at the end of the month. Daniel Medders offered the closing prayer of the event.
The beginnings
The idea of the Hall of Fame Ceremony began seven years ago with a team of Signature employees. They discussed ways in which lifetime achievements, specifically applying to individuals living in nursing and rehabilitation centers, could be recognized.
The Hall of Fame Cafe was envisioned a way to enforce the vision and mission of Signature, “creating a revolution that would radically change the long term care landscape forever,” while awarding those who had achievements and accomplishments that had enriched their country and communities.
It’s also an opportunity to explore history among the residents and watch it unfold in their lives each day.
Signature HealthCare staff said it is gratifying to be able to recognize the dedication, passion and contribution of their accomplishments.
Reach Bonnie Lill, The Stewart-Houston Times reporter, at 931-232-5421.