BY DR. JENNIFER SANKEY-BATTLES, Ph.D.
ORLANDO – The Sankey family have an incredible work history of service at AdventHealth, formerly known as Florida Hospital. Combined, they have 250 years of service at AdventHealth. Over these years, ten members of this family, spanning three generations, have worked various jobs upholding the organization’s mission of extending the healing ministry of Christ. With instilled work ethics and dedication, the years of service by parents, children, grandchildren, and in-laws range from 11 months up to 47 years. Currently, five family members are actively employed at AdventHealth. Amazing!
Members of the Sankey family are well-known and respected throughout the AdventHealthcare system. In the early 1970s, Susie Sankey was the first in the family to be hired at Florida Hospital, laying a solid foundation for loyal and long-standing service. During her 27-year tenure, she worked as a secretary and manager in the laboratory and for the School of Medical Technology. Jimmie Sankey, Sr. worked as a volunteer chaplain for about one year. He instilled in his children, “That a job worth doing, is worth doing right”. Adding to the family’s years of service, Marsha worked 3.5 years of service. Ivan has 47 years of service. Stephen, a clinical support supervisor in the laboratory, has 46 years of experience in service. Lisa, 41 years of service. Jennifer was employed 40 years before retiring in December 2018. Maurice worked close to one year, Stephanie has one year of service, and Edna has 43 years of devoted service. The family works well together. Working in different roles and departments throughout the hospital, the siblings, niece, nephew, and in-law know whom to contact when needing help to facilitate a request or resolve an issue.
AdventHealth honors hundreds of employees for years of service, annually. On July 23, 2024, at the 2024 AdventHealth Service Award banquet, Lisa and Stephen were honored and given the royal treatment by the organization. Many family members were present to celebrate this esteemed, fun-filled, and memorable occasion. The honorees, along with other family members were appreciative of the organization’s recognition of their contributions to the fulfillment of the organizational mission and the employees’ personal mission.
For the Sankey family, working at AdventHealth is more than a job that pays the bills; it’s been a joy and a blessing to be active participants in sharing and extending the healing ministry of Christ, caring, connecting with people and changing lives. Ivan stated, “I am grateful for having our family members as partners in healthcare and an opportunity to share in the mission of wholeness and healing.” Lisa said, “I am thankful for the experiences and opportunities to serve patients and fellow employees.” Stephen remarked, “I am thankful for the opportunity to be a part of the mission of AdventHealth.” Jennifer commented, “I enjoyed being a part of an organization that allowed me to serve others and fulfill God’s purpose for my life. “ Maurice, the grandson of Jimmie and Susie Sankey, commented, I really enjoyed my job that allowed me to see firsthand the different aspects of hospital life and the stages of human life. These heart-felt mission-minded sentiments expressed by the family reflect their passion and commitment to do their best when serving Christ and others.
Although the Sankey family’s quarter of a century years of service and their high retention rate at AdventHealth may not qualify for the Genius Book of World Records, their impact is noteworthy and immeasurable. Ivan summarizes, “Our family has been a blessing to this institution and each other through positive role modeling and attitudes of Christ-like caring for others. We have made a positive and lasting difference.” The Sankey family gives honor to God and are proud to be part of this legacy of service to God, their fellowman, and AdventHealth that was started by Jimmie and Susie Sankey.
