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Unprecedented career run of Shirley Sweat continues in year 57 at La Follette Medical Center
Shirley Sweat’s voice is the first a caller to the La Follette Medical Center hears. She’s sort of an air traffic controller directing calls to their proper destination and helping those who come to her window for direction from the lobby.
LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF)- It was the year of the first Super Bowl. The Beatles was in its prime. Lyndon Johnson was the president, and Shirley Sweat began her career at the then La Follette Community Hospital. The year was 1967, 11 years after the hospital opened its doors. Sweat’s first day on the job was July 25, 1967, and she’s quick to answer that when asked.
After almost 60 years at LMC, Sweat’s latest assignment is hospital operator. Sweat’s been sitting on the front porch of the Tennova – La Follette Medical Center for several years, because it’s her voice on your telephone when you call, and it’s her smile you first see when you walk into the lobby.
As a junior at La Follette High School, Shirley Tibbs Sweat was placed at the hospital by her teacher Jim Reynolds through the school’s DO program. “I started with Jo Ann Franklin in the X-ray department. Then Jeannie Branam brought me over to the records office. From there, I went to the main office where I worked with J.B. Wright, the administrator, and his assistant, Elsie Kibler,” said Sweat.
Sweat’s dedication, work ethic and belief in God can be traced to her parents, Leon and Eloise Tibbs. Her father, a World War II veteran, spent his career with TVA while her mother worked at Imperial Reading. Her mother was known to many, especially after retiring, walking everyday from her home on Cumberland Avenue to the hospital. She’d visit and pray with patients. “I had Godly mom and dad. They made me who I am,” said Sweat.
She was married to the late Sergeant Paul Sweat who spent his career with La Follette Police working the third shift. They have three children, Pam Millican, Paul Sweat and Patrick Sweat. “We’ve been a family that’s stuck together, and I’ve been blessed with six grandchildren and six great grandchildren,” said Sweat.
Shirley Sweat tried to hide her smile when we snuck up on her for a photo this summer.
Son Patrick Sweat has been employed by LMC for 30 years. “I was over the office and hired Patrick. He always said I was harder on him than anyone else,” said Shirley Sweat.
Sweat does take some time for vacation and has only called in sick once. However, she has missed for the birth of her children, two born at LMC, and a couple of surgeries.
When someone comes to my window, I put myself in that person’s shoes and treat them just like I want to be treated,” said Sweat. Being the longest tenured employee in the history of the hospital, one would have to love their job, and Sweat does and people as well. “We’re here to help people,” said Sweat.
A NOTE FROM THE GRAND ON CENTRAL: “There is so much good going on in our community, and I want to share all this good with you every Monday here on WLAF in hopes that you will start your week in a grand way making each week a Grand Week,” said Olivia Lobertini, owner of The Grand on Central.
Below, take a visit through The Grand on Central.
For bookings, email Olivia Lobertini ohlobertini03@gmail.com. Check on avails HERE. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 09/16/2024-6AM)