Resident Spotlight

For this week’s Resident Spotlight, we are looking at Jean Hemphill, someone who has been living at the Home since November of 2007. She originally lived in the independent senior living apartments on the Vista level of the Upper Rooms. She then transitioned in February of 2019 to the McKee Place personal care unit where she currently resides. Jean’s mom, Vida Linton, also lived at the RP Home for many years.

Jean grew up in Dennison, Kansas, but moved to Beaver Falls where she attended Geneva College. Her high school teacher, an alumnus, recommended the College to her. She met her husband there, and they both graduated in 1943. He went off to World War II right after graduation while she worked for the Veteran’s Administration in Washington DC until he returned home.

Some of her favorite hobbies are sewing. Her mother had been a seamstress, and taught her how to sew since she was a child. But, most of her time had been spent raising her three sons.

“I really didn’t have much time for hobbies,” she said. “We had three sons, so I guess my hobbies were my children.”

Other than sewing, she spends time listening to the Bible and other books on audio recording.  Jean also loves the music groups that come to perform and spending time outside in the courtyard.  Her best friend also lives in McKee Place and she enjoys spending time with her. Jean appreciates the staff at the Home and feels very safe there.  Jean shares that, “The staff members take good care of all the residents and are very kind and helpful.”

Growing up, she and her family attended the Reformed Presbyterian Church. She became a member at 13 years old, where she first took communion.

One reason that she loves the Church is because they seek to teach the truth of the Bible and practice it. Another reason she loves it is because of the fellowship.

“It’s a body of believers who love one another and are seeking to serve God,” she said.