Seven ‘Hometown Heroes’ recently were inducted into the Hall of Fame at Signature HealthCARE of Marietta before a delighted audience.
The Hall of Fame program was launched by Signature HealthCARE to recognize individuals that were making a significant impact on the lives of others, and to tell their inspiring stories. The recent honorees at Marietta were joined by many people from the larger Atlanta area, including persons associated with Wellstar Health System, the Georgia Healthcare Association, the Marietta City Council, area healthcare professionals, facility volunteers, family members, residents, and Signature staff.
“It was a privilege and an honor to be included in this event,” said Jason Broce of the GHCA. “Signature went the extra mile in showcasing the lives of these remarkable residents and the support of those who make this a wonderful facility.”
The induction ceremony began with a hors d’oeuvres’ and harp music reception, followed by a multimedia induction ceremony and the unveiling of the inductees’ permanent plaques, mounted in the Hall of Fame Café. Each recipient was also awarded a personal plaque and other mementos.
The 2011 inductees included Signature stakeholder Delores Hodge, who was recently recognized as the Signature Corporate CNA (Certified Nurses Aid) of the Year for more than 20 years of exceptional leadership by example, customer service and excellent care giving. Delores plans to complete her Registered Nurse training program next year.
Sybil Rowe Eidson, whose mother, former Signature resident Evelyn Rowe, was honored at the Hall of Fame last year, was recognized for her outstanding service as a community leader and volunteer. Sybil’s career as a volunteer spans over forty years, helping numerous local organizations including the Girl Scouts, USO, Red Cross, the 1996 Olympics, Telephone Pioneers of America, Habitat for Humanity and Faith Lutheran Church in Marietta.
Recently, Sybil has racked up nearly 500 volunteer hours at Signature HealthCARE of Marietta, closing in on the prestigious Gold President’s Volunteer Award.
Former Signature resident Gladys Harvey was honored for her lifetime of service and volunteerism as well. Gladys retired after a career as a high school teacher. Her volunteering began in school, where she coached the debate team and theater class. Under her leadership, the program grew to a department with five classes. For many years, Gladys has served as a Docent/Character Actress at the Atlanta History Center Farm and as a Docent at Zoo Atlanta. Gladys continues to serve in many capacities at Christ Episcopal Church in Kennesaw. Gladys has been married for 60 years.
William Richardson began his career as a Pentecostal minister at age 18. He served churches in Kentucky, Wisconsin and in Ohio, where he founded Good Shepherd Ministries. Good Shepherd was connected with Reverend Richardson’s radio ministry, which ran for seven days a week over a thirty two year period, specializing in meeting the needs of the hungry and the homeless, “helping the hurting.†Reverend Richardson was married for fifty-eight years and is known at Signature for his cheerful nature, positive attitude and willingness to share.
Maxine Wilson was a trendsetter who forged a successful career in fashion and interior design when women were just breaking into the workplace. Born one of 13 children on a farm in Illinois, Maxine moved to San Francisco to help with the war effort, where she met her husband, a Marine. She moved with her husband to Shreveport, Louisiana, where she built a reputation as a fashion designer and model. She hosted her own television show called Women’s Viewpoint. After completing the required courses, Maxine became a high-end interior designer, working and living in Dallas, New York, Chicago and Atlanta.
Born in Jamaica, Louis Black was a successful athlete, entrepreneur and businessman who was known to go the extra mile to help a person in need. He lied about his age to get into the Royal Air Force and serve in World War II, becoming his regimental boxing champion. After the war and graduation from Saint George’s College in Kingston, he played and coached cricket and soccer, both as a volunteer and professionally, representing Jamaica in the Caribbean leagues. He successfully started and operated several businesses including a general store, convenience store and furniture stores. He served as a labor consultant for the Jamaican government. After his recent death, Louis was inducted into the St. George’s College Hall of Fame.
James Dorton is a free spirit who served as a soldier, dancer, instructor, machinist, and inventor. Mr. Dorton first served his country in the Air Force during WWII in the Philippines. He then found a love and a calling in music and dance, working with Benny Goodman and Arthur Murray in Los Angeles. He crisscrossed the country, teaching dance until he decided it was time to get serious and make a living. He became a machinist for Lockheed, where he created the carburetor for the C-5 aircraft. He rented a hall in Marietta where he continued to teach dance to all that wanted to learn, even those who could not pay.
The program concluded with a ballroom dance demonstration by Mr. and Mrs. Bethel of Marietta, and a song by Sandi Martin, amidst a teary-eyed audience.
Originally published by: The Marietta Daily Journal
