EASLEY — At a special banquet on April 24, Baptist Easley honored 125 employees who had recently attained a five-year milestone in service. These employees were recognized for their customer service, dedication, teamwork, and loyalty.

Those eligible for service awards included 66 employees with five years, 28 with 10 years, 13 with 15 years, six with 20 years, five with 25 years and two with 30 years.

Additionally, three employees, Judy Bell, Helen Brooks, and Dr. Larry Winn, were honored for 35 years of service. Gloria Fowler and Shelby Howard each celebrated 40 years.

Fowler is a medical technologist in the hospital laboratory and serves as the Hematology Coordinator. She is married to Randall, her husband of 37 years, and they have three children — Dustin, Amanda and Lauren. She also has one grandchild, Lottie, and a Catahoula named Curtis.

For Fowler, the best thing about Baptist Easley is the people. To her, they are just like family. And she says, “Just like in real family, we may not always see eye-to-eye, but we remain there for each other—through the good and the bad times.”

Howard is a registered nurse on Birthplace, where she has been for most of her years with Baptist Easley. She is married to Alton, her husband of 54 years, and they have three children: daughters, Kim and Jan, and son, David. They have four grandchildren and one great grandchild, Brody.

Howard says she is so proud to tell others she works at Baptist Easley. She says, “We work together as a team and provide very good care.” For Howard, nursing is certainly a calling, and she gets much enjoyment and reward from caring for the mothers and their babies.