Sherry Morris , Director Emeritus
Sherry Morris , Director Emeritus
I sit in the quiet of my home , laptop in hand , sporting a brain that can barely summon words . This is the last column that I will write for my beloved Fannin County Family Connection . I knew this day would come , but no part of me could ever fathom the series of events that unfolded to land me here – in my living room writing the last column !
The past two years have been difficult ones for me personally . In February 2022 , I fell on my porch while trying to assist a young man who had wrecked in my front yard . With a vicious rain coming down , I lost my footing with the fall resulting in a broken leg , all three ankle bones broken and a foot hanging on by skin and ligaments . I also managed to accomplish a sprain in the other ankle , a broken wrist and sprain in the other wrist . I will admit right now that I love to do things in a big way ! A week later after a five-hour reconstruction surgery , I arrived home . I didn ’ t walk for months . I would like to tell you that the injury does not make a difference in my mobility , but Mom told me to always speak the truth .
In 2023 , illness plagued my small family as my father spent so much time in the hospital . His final stay was from September 17 until his passing on January 24 , 2024 . I had no idea how much this loss was going to affect me .
And , while I haven ’ t been very vocal , health issues have given me the run around for almost four years . I was finally diagnosed almost two years ago and have been trying to live my best life even with the other “ big ” things that happened . My condition is very rare with less than 200,000 known cases in the world . Suffice it to say , this is one time that I did not want to be included in an exclusive group .
I am sure that my personal situations affected my work , but I tried like crazy to just keep on keeping on . I love this community – my home – beyond belief . I very much wanted to keep serving my neighbors . However , I felt my energy could not keep up with the vibrant programs and activities of FCFC , many of which I developed myself . And sometime in early Spring , a couple of Executive Board members and I hatched a plan to find a person with unmatched energy , intelligence , and poise . That person must also demonstrate empathy and understand the words “ servant leadership .” When the job announcement was placed , 42 people responded . After meticulously
Farewell
sorting through all of the resumes , meeting candidates via Zoom and then extending interview invitations to seven of the candidates , it was clear that Jacqueline McKee should be the next Executive Director .
While it happened much sooner than I wanted , Jacqueline became Executive Director on October 1 after serving as Associate Director since late May , 2024 . On that day , the Board and staff enjoyed a luncheon , and I was honored to place Jacqueline ’ s new name badge on her lapel . Sherry Echelberger , current Chair of the Board , placed my new name badge on my lapel as she explained the word “ emeritus ” as that is my new role . As Director Emeritus , I will serve a few more months to organize the Christmas Tour of Homes and to continue to share knowledge with our newest staff members of the multitude of events that FCFC facilitates and programs that we have in place to serve the community . Most of my time will be spent in my home office but I ’ ll be around from time to time . Beginning in January , 2025 , I will be very part-time while serving FCFC through searching out grants and preparing applications . My wish is to be very successful in this endeavor for FCFC .
I will fade into the sunset as I end my service in June , 2025 . At that time , I will have been an employee , trying my best to serve the organization , for 10 years , one month and 19 days . ( Who is counting ?)
I extend my fondest wishes for success to all the new staff members – Jacqueline , Victoria Walker and Margaret “ Curly ” Robison . And many thanks to Kala Ballew , our pantry manager , who cannot slow down and does an incredible job in keeping the pantry in top shape . I especially extend my eternal gratitude to Mandi Hyde for being the very best and most dependable administrative assistant I have ever known . She is also a very good friend to have on your side . Mandi serves as the keeper of all things and that is terribly important as I have not been a keeper of much , but I have big dreams and goals . Mandi kept the paperwork in place for all those dreams and goals . And she always knew exactly where she filed the documents . And she always knew what help I needed , most of the time before the words came out of my mouth . I am sure she will do the same for Jacqueline .
Thank you to all the business and individuals who have supported FCFC during my time of service , whether the support was volunteering for tasks or donating funds or both . I have always strived to show a great return on investment , and I hope many of you feel that was accomplished .
And so , I close my last article , still in my quiet living room and feeling very grateful that the words did come … finally . Peace ! Long live Fannin County Family Connection !
Sherry
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