Personal Care Aide Robin Marshall is the 2024 recipient of the Grace P. Davis Award, recognized for her exceptional dedication to MEOC’s mission and the clients she serves through In Home and Family Support Services.
FSS Director Rebecca Gilly presented the award during the spring In-Home and Family Support Services meeting on May 31, 2025, at the Mountain Empire PACE Center.
Presented annually, the Grace P. Davis Award honors a care provider within In Home and Family Support Services who demonstrates outstanding commitment to the care of older and frail adults. Recipients must embody the highest standards of compassion, professionalism and respect — qualities Robin brings to her work every day.
Eligible employees include those serving through MEOC’s homemaker and personal care programs. Nominations may be submitted by clients, family members, caregivers, community members or MEOC staff.
Robin, who joined MEOC in 2022, has consistently gone above and beyond in her role, said Gilly.
Her dedication was especially evident during Hurricane Helene in the fall of 2024. As the storm left much of the region without power, Robin loaded extra coolers and ice into her vehicle to help clients preserve food. She maintained constant contact with the on-call admin team, volunteering to perform wellness checks for clients unreachable due to downed phone lines. Despite blocked roads, fallen trees and detours, Robin’s focus never shifted from client safety and well-being.
She shows that same determination in winter weather, often leaving home at 6 a.m. to reach her clients ahead of inclement weather, serving as many clients as she can safely access.
And her dedication doesn’t stop there. Gilly also pointed out Robin’s willingness to work around the clock, including weekends, to meet increasing client care needs. Since July 2024, Robin has made it a point to dedicate herself to weekend shifts, improving continuity of care for MEOC clients. Her commitment to the department is invaluable, and she often steps in on her days off when the team requires extra support.
“Robin exemplifies everything the Grace P. Davis Award stands for — compassion, commitment and selfless service,” said Gilly. “She is well-respected by clients and co-workers alike. Her positive attitude, competence and professionalism are paramount.”
Congratulations to Robin on this well-earned honor, and thank you for your unwavering dedication to MEOC clients and the community!
MORE ABOUT THE AWARD
The late Grace P. Davis was a retired Lee County educator who played a key role in the formation of MEOC and helped lead the agency’s growth for 25 years. She was a passionate advocate for developing in-home services for older adults.
Davis served on the local planning group that received the initial grant to establish MEOC in January 1974 and remained active on the agency’s board of directors until 1999, when she resigned at age 96 due to health concerns. She passed away in September 2002.