As part of ANHA’s 75 Stories of Care initiative, this story was shared by a longtime colleague, friend, and former mentee of Doris Brown.
Doris Brown served as a nursing home administrator (NHA) for more than 25 years, dedicating her career to caring for residents, supporting staff, and mentoring future leaders in long term care. She worked in several communities throughout her career, including Henry County Nursing Home, and later retired after many years as administrator of St. Clair Health & Rehab. She was awarded ANHA’s Administrator of the Year during her service.
According to the colleague who submitted her story, Doris played a pivotal role in helping him begin his own career in long term care leadership.
“I met Doris when I was a senior at Auburn University,” he shared. “She took me under her wing and helped me enroll in an AIT Program. Doris always went out of her way to help young people be successful in long term care leadership positions. During my first year as an NHA, she called me every month to check in on me and encourage me,” he said. “I always knew she believed in me and that she was a phone call away if I needed anything.”
Doris was known not only for her leadership, but also for the warmth and joy she brought to the communities she served. Alongside her late husband, Charles — who served as maintenance director — she helped create a true sense of home for residents and staff alike. “They worked as a team to make that community home to so many,” he shared. “Doris was known for taking snacks, ice cream, and freshly popped popcorn down the halls and passing it out to residents and staff.”
Today, Doris is a resident at Athens Health & Rehab — a facility where she has lived for more than three years and, according to her friend and resident representative, continues to thrive.
“Athens Health & Rehab has taken excellent care of Doris and she is very happy there,” he shared. “She has been there for three and a half years, and I have not had one single complaint. She has thrived there.”
He added that Doris remains social, outgoing, and full of life. “She never meets a stranger,” he said. “She enjoys the covered patio, strawberry ice cream, and any reason to gather and socialize with others.”
Their friendship has now spanned more than 25 years — evolving from mentor and mentee to something more like family.
“She and her husband Charles treated me just like a son,” he shared. “When Charles passed away, Doris asked me to speak at his funeral. Later, when the time came for her to enter a skilled nursing facility, I became her resident representative. It is my honor to help care for this dear lady who spent her entire career caring for others.”
We’re grateful to the facilities who have already shared their stories — keep them coming!
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