Denise Vickers-Leon
ECB Publishing, Inc.
It takes a very special person to have the patience and compassion required when assisting elderly citizens on a daily basis. For hundreds of fortunate people over the years, that person has been Ernestine Keaton.
Born and raised in Wacissa, Keaton had plans to study business when she applied to Florida A&M University, but her heart kept leading her in the direction of social work. Upon graduating in 1972, she entered the workforce as a Social Worker and has been at it ever since.
Keaton began her career as a social worker and activity director at the Jefferson Nursing Center, where she remained for almost eight years. From there she went on to the Apalachee Center for another eight years before assuming her current position in 2014 with Eldercare Services. In that capacity, Keaton serves as the Senior Companion at the Jefferson Senior Citizens Center.
The passion that Keaton has for the job is obvious by the reception she receives from her clients as well as other visitors to the center. She is constantly coming up with new and inventive ways to bring joy and life enrichment to all. She lives her motto, “That she's a servant, sent here to serve,” and she does it in spite of her own health battles.
There is a huge card, hand painted by one of Keaton's granddaughters, which declares her as a Can-Cer-Vivor hanging on her office wall. She is the proud mother of four children, 17 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
Because of Keaton's own relentless strength, sincere dedication and faith, the lives of countless individuals have been made better.
Thank you for all you do, Ernestine Keaton. You are truly a Healthcare Hero.
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