Loyalty is vital to every successful endeavor, and while it is often a silent partner to the greater scheme of many businesses, it is irreplaceable. It should never be undervalued nor unnoticed.

The Methodist Oaks' own Delphine Gordon embodies the importance of being loyal to an organization, and it has never been more apparent than now, as Delphine embraces retirement and all that it has to offer.

Because of her service to The Methodist Oaks, Delphine was rewarded with the prestigious Resolution of Exemplary Services certificate at a party in her honor.

Only two other Methodist Oaks employees have ever received such a tribute. After 37 years of hard work and unconditional love for The Methodist Oaks and its residents, Delphine will embark upon a journey blessed with an abundance of family, as well as travel, service, ministerial participation and love. The woman who many at The Oaks call "Mama" will carry with her vivid memories of her young life, while never devoid of the delightful remembrance of life at The Methodist Oaks.

Delphine came to The Methodist Oaks in 1965, hoping to make enough money to buy a bus ticket that would take her to New York to visit her father.

"I truly had the intention to stay just a short while," Delphine said, "but I got so attached to everybody that I ended up staying for 37 years and a few months."

She never did move to New York.

"I didn't need to go to the North any longer, because I found my family here at The Methodist Oaks."

When Delphine first began working at The Methodist Oaks, she spent her days in the laundry department, working her hardest. This steadfastness would eventually land Delphine the job of housekeeping and laundry supervisor.

"The Methodist Oaks has been generous, understanding, and loving to me. It has allowed me to advance," Delphine said. "I have so much for myself because of the opportunities presented to me at The Oaks."

One of Delphine's most interesting -- and testing -- experiences occurred when she served as housekeeping and laundry supervisor. One resident's roommate got cold one night, and to remedy the situation, she put the electric heater in the bed with her friend. It caught on fire, which spread smoke throughout the building and, consequently, all the residents' clothes.

That left Delphine with quite a feat.

"We had to wash them all," she said. "It was an enormous job, but it is also a memory of my time here at The Methodist Oaks that I will always carry with me."

Delphine survived the travesty with flying colors, emerging from the situation with a smile and a few laughs. This characteristic of being positive caught the attention of The Oaks administration, which, combined with her love for the residents, led to a promotion of her most recent position, as resident relations coordinator.

In this position, Delphine worked closely with residents in numerous aspects. She was in charge of making gift baskets for new residents, decorating model rooms, and relating with housekeeping and maintenance, as well.

Although Delphine is retiring, she will by no means be giving up on her will to serve. Delphine will be involved in foster care, for which she is licensed. She will also increase her involvement in the Easter Stars society and work closer with the ushers at St. Stephen Baptist Church, where she serves as the president of the usher board and as a missionary.

"I have no doubt in my mind that Delphine Gordon will continue to make a name for herself as a leader and a woman of God's service in her years of retirement," Methodist Oaks president and CEO Johnnie Benson said.

"She has been an employee of unparalleled loyalty, and The Methodist Oaks will genuinely miss her. We are confident in knowing her legacy will live on, and that we will continue to feel her presence here indefinitely."

Delphine has been missing her family tremendously, she said, so retirement will provide an outlet for her to finally spend some time in New York and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, so she can catch up with her siblings.

In addition, Delphine will devote much of her time with her 86-year-old father, the one who provided inspiration for Delphine's first days at The Oaks.

As a vacation, Delphine will visit Fort Lauderdale, where she plans to relax.

"Florida will be beautiful. I will rest and give God thanks for letting me reach the retirement age," she said.

Delphine said she certainly plans on keeping in touch with residents and will keep her name on the companion list of The Methodist Oaks.

"If one of them ever needs me, all they have to do is call and I'll come back to help them," Delphine said. "I love everybody, and I feel like the residents love me."

Delphine said she will miss her residents stopping by her office for a chat.

"One lady came by my office and said, "You can't retire because you are our Mama," Delphine said. "The residents have been my family, and I love them. In the same way, The Methodist Oaks has been my home. I love it more than anything."

"I am very proud of The Methodist Oaks, and I know how wonderful this place is."

Delphine sends her love and best wishes to those on whom she has made the most impact.

"I wish to thank all the residents, those who have already reached this point of retirement in their lives. I want you all to know that this job has really been a blessing for me, and you have made it so special," Delphine said.

"Although we may be far apart, we'll still be close at heart."

You must be logged in to comment.