Four Residents Honored at Signature HealthCARE at The Courtyard’s Annual “Hall of Fame Café” Event!

On April 22, 2010, Signature HealthCARE at The Courtyard hosted its 4th annual Hall of Fame Café event. The team decorated the facility in a spring theme with roses, calla lilies, daisies, button palms throughout the dining room.

The Hall of Fame Café® provided a perpetual setting that recognized, celebrated, and honored four individuals for their professional accomplishments, community involvement, and/or distinguished military honors, residents: Henry Brewer, Mary Burns, Robert Eskridge as well as a community leader, Mrs. Queen Brown.

Henry Branson Brewer, Sr., resident, graduated from Marianna High School in 1939 and later attended the University of Florida for two years in the Veterinary program before proudly volunteering to serve our country in World War II. Before going overseas, he married Jane Sims. They were married for 60 years and raised their four children. He became a Captain in the United States Air Force Flying Horse Gliders and C-47’s during World War II in the European Theater. After surviving World War II, he came back to Marianna and worked with his father in law J.M. Sims at the Standard Oil Bulk Plant. He owned and operated a Chervron Service Station for many years before going to work with Leon Loard Oil Portraits. He built and operated with his wife, Brewers Photography and Frames for approximately 20 years before retiring.



Robert Eskridge, resident, graduated from Broken Arrow High School in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma where he excelled in baseball and basketball and was the drum major for the Tiger Band. He was awarded a full scholarship to the University of Tulsa (TU) for his musical abilities, playing the clarinet and trumpet. He later received a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from TU. Robert was called into the U.S. Navy where he served aboard the USS Puget Sound, an aircraft carrier, as the clerk. Robert married the love of his life, Berline Dodd, on December 19, 1949. Two years later they were blessed with their only child, Susan. He worked at the First National Bank, Braden Winch, Inc., was a charter member of the Chamber of Commerce, and also served for 7 years as Mayor of the city. Since his retirement at First National Bank, he has served on the Bank’s Board of Directors, Children’s Medical Center Board in Tulsa, and Southwestern Assemblies of God College in Texas.



Mary Burns, resident, received a Bachelor’s and Master’s of Science Degree in Education which were obtained at Howard University, Florida A & M University, and Virginia Union University. Ms. Burn’s post graduate work was in the field of specialized reading. She made outstanding contributions to the Jackson County School system for over 30 years. She taught at numerous schools including Graceville, Sneads, Long Branch, Jackson County Training School, Marianna Middle School, Greenwood, Golson, and Riverside. Among her many accomplishments in her 30 years tenure as an educator, was the conduct of a specialized reading program in a reading laboratory, where students gained as much as two and one-half grade levels in a single term. This program was recognized and applauded by school officials and Panhandle area Education Cooperative Specialists. After retirement, Ms. Burns became a volunteer of the Guardian ad Litem Program and served as a children’s advocate in court proceedings. She served as an Action volunteer in Volunteers in Service to America and contributed to the Panhandle Library Literacy Consortium efforts to raise basic literacy.



Queen Brown, community leader, received her Bachelor and Master of Science Degrees in Elementary Education from Florida A & M University; Certification I Reading, Supervision and Administration from Wayne State University and Troy State University. During her 45 year career with Jackson County School Board, she served as a teacher, Curriculum Specialist, Reading Specialist, Title 1 lab teacher/Coordinator and retired as Director of Chapter 1 programs for the county. She reentered the school system as a Parent Educator. She has served as a local 4H leader, county wide fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, President of Vogue and Valiant Social Club, and as a member of the Homemakers Club and the Garden Club. She is a member of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, West End Community Organization and holds life membership in the NAACP, WMS and the Garden Club. She has received the Humanitarian Award, Community Service Award and is the author and publisher of her own book called, “My Journey”.

Signature HealthCARE at The Courtyard, located at 2600 Forest Glen Trail, Marianna, FL, offers numerous clinical and spiritual services and activities as well as a Quality of Life program to serve its residents. For further information about the Hall of Fame Café or to take a tour of the facility, please contact the Admissions Team at 850-526-2000.

Bringing Quality Back to Life!