Our Community
The Eadses credit a close friend, Sherri Swilley, for first introducing them to FSU PrimaryHealth, Sabal Palm Elementary School and the surrounding community. Swilley was the first to ask if they’ d have an interest in supporting the College of Medicine’ s efforts in the southwest Tallahassee area, which was labeled a“ medical desert” prior to FSU Primary- Health opening. Swilley served as the first head of Clinical Operations for the Florida Medical Practice Plan, the faculty practice plan for FSU, as well as the inaugural practice manager at FSU PrimaryHealth.
Syble Eads with Vera Kennedy, who is holding a bouquet from the FSU College of Medicine, wishing her a happy 103rd birthday.
of Syble’ s grandparents during the Depression-era 1930s. When Syble was just 9 years old, she first met Kennedy and to this day, she still holds a special place in Syble’ s heart.
“ Vera valued education and reading, which is probably why her children were successful,” Syble said.“ She had a religious household and believed in hard work, as well as giving and helping everyone any way she could. When Vera passed, she was still living in the two-bedroom house she and her husband built in 1950 when he was working on the Katy railroad.”
Richard added,“ Vera was a special character. She is a throwback to lost times when people did things and didn’ t ask for recognition, they just did it because it was the right thing to do. She was a jewel of a person in a small town and the volunteer work she did there made a difference.”
“ In a way, the Eadses are the modern equivalent of that era,” said Alma Littles, M. D., dean of the College of Medicine.“ They have done so much to help others and never seek fanfare and recognition. We at the College of Medicine are grateful for their friendship and the support they’ ve provided to our community.”
“ We just want people to get the best care that they can get,” Richard said.“ And many people don’ t have anything other than Medicare or Medicaid; maybe no insurance. Many may not have the means to even go to the doctor.”
There is a saying that people can give of their time, talent and treasure— and the Eadses have done all three. In addition to creating the endowed fund, they often provide soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste and other toiletries to Sabal Palm Elementary School, which is FSU PrimaryHealth’ s neighbor. And, when medical students partnered with the local chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace to build beds for children who did not have one, the Eadses were there to support the project. They are also long-time supporters of the Mount Dora Children’ s Home.
“ We made the decision about 10 years ago to start seriously giving back to causes we believe in,” Richard said.“ We have a fund that supports the underserved on the east side of Gainesville. We also support the children’ s home. And, for the fund established in honor of Vera, we wanted to involve other people and friends. We not only gave of our own means, but we also invited other people we knew that could consider it.”
Today, the Eades quietly lend their support to causes most meaningful to them and take comfort in knowing Kennedy’ s memory will live on in the hearts of people she never had the opportunity to meet— those who will have received support through her endowed fund.
Florida State University College of Medicine
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A REPORT TO OUR COMMUNITY