It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting Murray's Mill Historic Site in Cooleemee, NC gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Cooleemee, NC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Cody was extremely helpful finding an assisted living facility for our loved one. His guidance”
“Always Best Care (ABC) is a top-notch reliable sitter service covering the Piedmont Triad in”
“I worked with Karla Dixon on a referral. Karla was very involved and helped facilitate”
“I’ve seen firsthand the excellent care Always Best Care Senior Services provides. Their team is”
“The staff here are compassionate, professional, and truly go above and beyond. You can tell”
“5 stars all the way—professional, compassionate, and reliable. You can tell they genuinely care!”
“Great work provided by this company, and great staff to execute their goals!”
“To see the work this company puts in to make sure their clients needs are”
“Not only is the care they provide outstanding, but the support from the front office”
“It’s rare to find a company where both the caregivers and the office staff are”
“Kaitlyn Jones is absolutely the best. Hands down!”
“Quick responses, clear communication, and a very friendly admin team. Everything was handled efficiently and”
“Cody was very helpful getting tours setup for my daughter and me to tour independent”
“We thoroughly enjoyed working with Cody while exploring independent living facilities for my mom. He”
“Great care for your loved ones!”
“They have a good work team very satisfied with their care”
“Always Best Care will not disappoint! They truly provide the best service for all of”
“Always Best Care Services has been a wonderful experience, and Leslie Christian was especially helpful”
“Absolutely fantastic caregivers, support staff and management. If you ever need any assistance CALL ABC.”
“If you ever get Alexis on the phone, you’re in for a great experience. She’s”
“We have had a great start with Always Best Care. They send daily caregivers to”
“I am very happy with this provider's service. Cody was our coordinator, and he helped”
“Exceptional care and exceptional staff.”
“You will be amazed with the services and care Always Best Care provides. Their entire”
“Caregivers are amazing!! They are doing an amazing job with my parents. The scheduling crew”
“Cody was extremely helpful finding an assisted living facility for our loved one. His guidance and knowledge made an extremely difficult situation easy. He was able to work with our schedule and set everything up. We thank you so much for all your help and for the follow up.”
“Always Best Care (ABC) is a top-notch reliable sitter service covering the Piedmont Triad in NC. Their internal staff is professional and efficient. They are always happy to answer any questions or concerns and they always respond in a very timely manner. ABC has quality sitters who will provide excellent care for your loved one with compassion, whether in a home or in a care facility. Always Best Care is appropriately named because they have “always” provided the “best care” to my mother-in-law, who has dementia. They have been helping her daily for the past three years. We are grateful for ABC’s help!”
“I worked with Karla Dixon on a referral. Karla was very involved and helped facilitate the meeting and tour. Loved working with her and look forward to our partnership in the future!!!!”
“I’ve seen firsthand the excellent care Always Best Care Senior Services provides. Their team is professional, compassionate, and truly dedicated to the well-being of those they serve. I highly recommend their services to anyone who may need them!”
“The staff here are compassionate, professional, and truly go above and beyond. You can tell they genuinely care about their clients and their families.”
“5 stars all the way—professional, compassionate, and reliable. You can tell they genuinely care!”
“Great work provided by this company, and great staff to execute their goals!”
“To see the work this company puts in to make sure their clients needs are met, means a lot to the community. Having care you can trust means the world to the families in need. From the first interaction over the phone to a smiling face that greets you at the door, this company is great for in home care!”
“Not only is the care they provide outstanding, but the support from the front office is just as impressive. It’s comforting knowing you can call and talk to someone who genuinely cares and helps guide you through everything.”
“It’s rare to find a company where both the caregivers and the office staff are this compassionate. From day one, the entire team made us feel comfortable and answered so many of our questions with guidance.”
“Kaitlyn Jones is absolutely the best. Hands down!”
“Quick responses, clear communication, and a very friendly admin team. Everything was handled efficiently and professionally.”
“Cody was very helpful getting tours setup for my daughter and me to tour independent living facilities. He contacted the facility and got all the needed information. He kept us well informed of what to expect. I appreciated his services. Cody is very caring.”
“We thoroughly enjoyed working with Cody while exploring independent living facilities for my mom. He spent time talking with us to learn what my mom was looking for in a place to live during the next chapters of her life and shared a variety of options. He scheduled and accompanied us on the tours. Cody was thorough, patient, kind and answered all of our questions. Even though my mom chose not to pursue independent living at this time, we appreciated the time Cody spent working with us and he will be the first call we make when/if she decides to pursue this route in the future. Thank you Cody!!!!”
“Great care for your loved ones!”
“They have a good work team very satisfied with their care”
“Always Best Care will not disappoint! They truly provide the best service for all of your in home care needs!”
“Always Best Care Services has been a wonderful experience, and Leslie Christian was especially helpful throughout the process. She was kind, professional, and took the time to answer questions and make everything feel easy and comfortable. It’s clear that she truly cares and wants to provide the best support possible. I would definitely recommend Always Best Care Services to anyone looking for dependable and compassionate care.”
“Absolutely fantastic caregivers, support staff and management. If you ever need any assistance CALL ABC. They were absolutley fabulous for our family.”
“If you ever get Alexis on the phone, you’re in for a great experience. She’s funny, lively, and full of great energy. I actually caught myself laughing during the call, which almost never happens when calling places. Just a genuinely positive person who makes the conversation easy and enjoyable. Loved the energy! -cora”
“We have had a great start with Always Best Care. They send daily caregivers to help my mother and always follow their well-thought out care plan. Their program is very organized and they are great with communication. Our caregiver, Allison, is especially fabulous ... she is ABOVE and BEYOND. She is so thorough, creative, and thoughtful. We feel very lucky to be on her list!”
“I am very happy with this provider's service. Cody was our coordinator, and he helped my family and I find a caring, affordable, and beautiful assisted living facility for my mother. He was thorough and kind, keeping us updated with new finds and even helping me into one of the facilities we were touring with an umbrella against the pouring rain. He asked all the right questions, ensuring we found a good fit. After much searching, Cody ultimately discovered the place my mother is at now. Thanks for all the help, Cody!”
“Exceptional care and exceptional staff.”
“You will be amazed with the services and care Always Best Care provides. Their entire team is very responsive, professional, and great to work with. I highly suggest ABC for your loved one in need of in-home care!”
“Caregivers are amazing!! They are doing an amazing job with my parents. The scheduling crew is on point with all the scheduling. A++++++++”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Riverpark at Cooleemee Falls The Bullhole in Cooleemee, NC with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Rayson Winery Vineyards with Bistro Europa Restaurant or visit Textile Heritage Center, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Cooleemee, NC, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Cooleemee, NC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Cooleemee, NC 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
The last name Parker is easily recognized in Davie County in particular, because of the well-known coach, teacher, ball player and mentor; the late Grimes “Bimmie” Parker. Now it’s time we get to know about the other half, Grime’s wife, Fran Parker.Fran started her new role as a Cooleemite when she was 19 but grew up in Clear Water, Florida with her mother, Doris Logan; father, Charley Logan; and her sister, Sarah McDaniel.Cooleemee being such a small town, less than 1,000 residents, makes us wonder how ...
The last name Parker is easily recognized in Davie County in particular, because of the well-known coach, teacher, ball player and mentor; the late Grimes “Bimmie” Parker. Now it’s time we get to know about the other half, Grime’s wife, Fran Parker.
Fran started her new role as a Cooleemite when she was 19 but grew up in Clear Water, Florida with her mother, Doris Logan; father, Charley Logan; and her sister, Sarah McDaniel.
Cooleemee being such a small town, less than 1,000 residents, makes us wonder how anyone from another state finds Cooleemee as their home. Usually they say on the internet, but Fran’s story is much different.
Fran’s father was originally from Alabama and claimed he was so nice and smart. She and her sister got one spanking from him. After Sarah threw her father’s key’s away and wouldn’t say where, younger sister Fran tried to save her from trouble by slipping off her brand-new shoes and let water run over them in the sink. Well, her father wasn’t at all happy with her decision so both got a slight spanking.
Fran took after her mother who was feisty, an extravert and very friendly but her father was an introvert. When her parents got married, they eloped.
Fran had accumulated the necessary credits to graduate her senior year, and obtained a part-time job at the local courthouse due to her studies in business. That clerk’s office position turned full time when she graduated.
John Parker, Grimes’ brother, signed with the Phillies. Since the Phillies trained in Clear Water, Fran had a chance to meet him. They were dating and flew to N.C. to meet his parents in Cooleemee NC and Fran dragged her sister Sarah along.
When they entered the house, that was the first time Grimes and Fran met.
“I can’t explain it, when Grimes and I laid eyes on each other, I thought what am I doing? I just couldn’t stop looking at him, it was like something was between us, I don’t know what it was,” Fran said.
Grime’s father ordered from U-Stop-In-Grill and told “Bimmie” to go and get the food. He asked Fran if she wanted to go.
Grimes talked a lot on the short drive there and in a jokingly way said to Fran, “I’m going to tell you one thing, you know what girl, if John doesn’t marry you I will.”
After John was assigned to Wytheville, Virginia, Fran and John’s relationship fizzled out.
When Grimes found that out, he wanted Fran to come up to see him and she did. Since Sarah and she were going to West Virginia to see a friend they stopped by N.C. on the way home.
Grimes went to Florida to see Frans and took his good buddy, Donnie Everhardt with him.
Fran took three days off work and on the third day, Grimes was headed back home. Grimes pulled in a ball park and said, “I can’t leave without you. You’re just going to have to go with me.” Fran of course didn’t want him to go back either.
“Will you marry me,” he said, and Fran said, “I sure will.”
Grimes stayed in the car while Fran went in and told her parents they were going to elope.
Her dad tried to talk her out of leaving but Fran reminded him he and her mother did the same thing. “I know this is right for me, I know it is.” He said, “OK.”
After getting her birth certificate and a few clothes they left. What a surprise in Gaffney, South Carolina, when they learned they had to wait 24 hours after getting the license to marry.
What do you do when you don’t have any money to stay somewhere and you don’t want to go home?
A rest area was a perfect place to eat KFC then they slept in the car, all three of them, Fran with her future husband and his best friend. At 9:00 the next morning, they were married.
Grimes called his dad and he said, “I told you daddy, I was going to marry that girl. I told you.”
Fran stands behind her love story, “It was love at first sight.”
Cooleemee looked different from Florida. Fran lived with Grime’s parents while he was at Appalachian State University all week and came home on weekends.
Grimes told her, people at the shopping center said you were kind of stuck up. She said she didn’t know anybody. He encouraged her to speak to everyone and she did.
After Grimes graduated, Fran worked really hard to find him a job. She had three good ones, one in which had a good salary and the house would be provided.
Grimes was very leery about having to go and do interviews with all of them, and out of the blue that night, the principal at Cooleemee Elementary School, Mr. V.G. Prim called. Joan King was going out on maternity leave and he needed a replacement. “I’ll take it”, Grimes told him. Grimes walked to his house that night, signed the paperwork and that was that.
Being pregnant with Alicia, Fran got a job at the Erwin Mills in Cooleemee. She worked second shift in the lab and not long after then the mill closed.
Fran said, “I had a house that was furnished, a baby and a husband all in the same week.”
Money was tight and with her determination she got a job at the bank in Mocksville. She got pregnant with her son Steven after about two years and she couldn’t stay on her feet but for so long. Part time put her working on Mondays and Fridays, the worst two days of the week.
The house Fran lives in now is where they moved to for a better home and larger space.
The children were drug to every ball game because Fran wanted to see Grimes and she liked the sports.
Steven turned 5 years old and it was time for kindergarten but he was so attached to his mother he wouldn’t stay with anyone. “You can beat me to death daddy but I’m not going to stay with anybody but Mama.”
But then came along Lisa Osborne, who went to Fran’s house to keep Steven and the ease of separation worked. He was ready for kindergarten.
Fran worked at Ingersoll Rand for about 8 1/2 years. Forgetting she had applied to the school system, she got a call for an interview for the finance department.
Even though she loved her job at Ingersol, she decided the hours would be ideal for her son that wanted to be involved in sports.
She worked for four superintendents, five finance officers and then she retired after a total 25 years.
Finally, after Grimes had been retired about six years, now Fran was retired, and they could be together again. “We had the best time together.”
Fran reflects on what her mother taught her, “You need to work hard, when you find someone, you need to love hard and all this time you need to be kind.”
Oddly enough, Fran was told by her aunt while standing at her father’s casket, that her father was a very good basketball player and he loved it. Fran never knew that.
Basketball is in Fran’s blood and she plays an important role in the Grimes Parker Basketball Camp each year. There are specific roles that are consistently filled with the same volunteers each year. This is a great relief to Fran.
Fran handles all the financing, donations, sending emails to remind parents about the camp. Being present at the camp is a constant reminder of Grimes not being there. It has only been two years since his passing so being in the same home where all the memories are, is where she wants to be.
Fran is always thinking of ways to make the camp better and her main concern is for the campers to learn good basketball skills; to have fun and to keep the fee low so any child who wants to attend can come. Scholarships are also available. She hopes to have new Nike shoes again for the campers.
Fran is one of the nicest people anyone could ever meet. She has a big heart, very sincere and is definitely making a huge difference in those kids lives that come each year at the camp.
Fran is a true master of Cooleemee and we are so happy we can call her our neighbor.
Fran’s Family: Daughter, Alicia Johnson and son, Steven Parker; grandchildren, Drue Parker, Somer Johnson, Lauren Parker Brooks, Bodie Parker, Owen Parker and Crosby Parker; and great-grandchildren, Parker Brooks, Blakely Brooks and Cameron Brooks.
336-654-5001
