New resident Margaret Craven
arrived at Brooks-Howell from Red Bird Mission, Beverly, Kentucky
in July, 2003.Margaret grew up as an only child in St. Albans, West Virginia. Her father ran a shoe shop, then later was employed in a carbon chemical plant. Her mother worked as an aide in Rainbow Children's Home. (It was a memorable event when the famous Rin Tin Tin visited there!) Her mother's stories aroused Margaret's interest in the nursing profession. Since her father was United Brethren, she became Evangelical United Brethren and then United Methodist.
After earning her R.N., she contacted the Evangelical United Brethren mission board, which operated two hospitals in the United States, one in Kentucky, and the other in New Mexico. Since she was a native of Appalachia, she was sent to the hospital at EspaZola, New Mexico, where she enjoyed serving as a ward nurse from 1959 to 1980, when she was assigned to Red Bird Mission Hospital, Beverly, Kentucky. Her hospital responsibilities were varied, connected with aspects of the medical work, until she went back to nursing in 1997.
Margaret may be the only mission worker at Brooks-Howell who had only two appointments 1959 until the present, and no sabbatical leaves. She tells about her first visit to Brooks-Howell after she learned about it. "When I walked in the front door, I had the strangest feeling; immediately I felt like I was at home." She knew she belonged here. An avid reader, she brought many books (which she is willing to lend). She also enjoys walking. Shortly after her arrival she brought in a neighbor she had met during a walk. We are delighted to have Margaret as a part of our Brooks-Howell family.