‘BB’ Retires, Leaves a Lasting Legacy at Home Instead
Staff members at Home Instead® of Jackson, Tennessee, had just received a death notification call for one of their clients. They knew immediately they needed to call Care Professional Burnett Brooks before she drove to the client’s house to start her shift. However, they were too late, because Burnett, affectionally known as “BB,” had arrived early – as usual.
Client and Care Pro Experience Manager Brooke Childers recalled: “As a result, I went to the client’s home, and BB was washing dishes and picking up the kitchen. I told BB she didn’t have to stay, and I’d be glad to walk her out. She said, ‘Well, the way I see it, I need to wash these linens from my client’s bed and help tidy up his living space to help his family.’ She went on to say, ‘I can’t leave until I make sure the family members have had a good breakfast.’
Brooke added: “In a nutshell, that was vintage BB.”
So, when BB quietly retired as a Care Pro on Dec. 29, 2023, after nearly 7½ years of service, Brooke and franchise owner Bryson McQuiston wanted people to know about BB, who always had conducted herself as a servant. They wanted a story about BB. “Actions speak louder than words, especially compassionate and empathetic actions,” Brooke said. “BB is leaving a legacy among those of us at Home Instead and all of her clients and their family members.”
During her retirement party, BB told Bryson, “I give my grandmother full credit for making me into a hard worker.” That humble attitude, Bryson said, is symbolic of the woman who the entire franchise had come to know and love. Joining the festivities during BB’s retirement party were BB’s son, daughters and brothers. Brooke noted: “We talked about old times, and BB reminded me she styled hair for years! It’s incredible the things she’s done.”
Bryson added: “BB is a great cook, compassionate, kind and the hard worker that she herself alluded to when she referenced her grandmother. BB always went above and beyond. She never shied away from challenging care or challenging people. In fact, she did the opposite. She was dependable and loyal to our clients and their families.”
Bryson pointed out: “It was with great affection that we called her ‘BB.’ She has been a blessing to Home Instead since joining us in the late summer of 2016. BB is dependable, consistent, faithful, loyal and a great example of a true caregiver’s heart. Our clients have loved her, as does the office staff. You cannot mention BB’s name without smiling. She has been a breath of fresh air to our franchise and has done an incredible job serving on the front lines while taking care of clients in a professional, courteous and gentle manner.”
Referring to BB’s spiritual impact, Bryson explained: “We are forever grateful to God for sending BB our way and will always cherish the relationship we have enjoyed with her. We wish BB nothing but the best in her retirement. She cannot be replaced in her Care Pro’s role at Home Instead, nor in our hearts. She finished well and is a great example to us all in so many ways!”
Adding to Bryson’s heartfelt words, Brooke said, “BB has a great sense of humor and is liked everywhere she goes. In all of her years of service, we never had a complaint. She has an incredible bedside manner and always made our clients feel at ease. It bears repeating, BB leaves a legacy here at Home Instead.”
All Home Instead Care Professionals are screened, trained, bonded and insured. For inquiries about employment, please call (731) 984-7062 or apply online. For further information about Home Instead, visit our website.
