A Family Connection Across The Hickman

When people stay with an organization, they build relationships, share what they’ve learned, and help new colleagues feel at home. At The Hickman, members of the Murrey family bring those connections to life through their work in Dining Services, Housekeeping, and Resident Services.

Mel Murrey, who has worked in Dining Services for seven years, took a few moments from her busy midday schedule to tell me about her family’s connection to The Hickman. She greeted me with a hug, and her warmth shone through our conversation.

Shirley Murrey was the first in the family to work at The Hickman. Her sister, Shelly, and daughter, Mekia, also joined the team. When Shirley encouraged Mel to work here, she told her, “You gotta come work here!” Mel took her advice, and, as she put it, “the rest is history.”

Among the family members working at The Hickman, Mel and Amina serve in Dining Services, Lazon works in Housekeeping, and Shirley, Mekia, and Shelly work in Resident Services. Mel says the people are a big reason she has stayed. “We all work well together across all the departments,” she said, “and we love the work atmosphere here.”

Having family nearby adds another source of support. “There’s always someone to talk to if you’re feeling down and need input on a situation—usually from Shirley,” Mel said. Family members can also guide younger relatives as they begin their working lives. “It’s good for them to have family close by to teach them how to get along with people.”

That willingness to learn from one another carries into their work with residents. “We learn from each other and how to best interact with the residents,” Mel explained. Across three departments, the Murrey family’s connection to The Hickman reflects the care and collaboration that shape our community each day.

Group picture: Pictured, front row (left to right): Shirley, Amina, and Lazon. Back row (left to right): Mekia and Mel.
Single image: Shelly