Photo By Jason Bortz | Joyce Ephfrom, housekeeping supervisor for Navy Gateway Inns and Suites onboard Naval...... read more read more
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by Carolyn Gray, Public Affairs Office, Naval Air Station Pensacola
Forty years ago, major events were happening all over the world. Jimmy Carter was sworn in as the 39th President of the United States, the original Star Wars movie was released and Pensacola native Joyce Ephfrom began her 40-year career at the “Cradle of Naval Aviation” onboard Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola.
She began working as a housekeeping aid at what was known as the Bachelor Officers Quarters (BOQ). Today, it is called the Navy Gateway Inns and Suites (NGIS).
“I remember my mother telling me I had a choice between going to school or finding a job,” said Ephfrom with a laugh. “My career with the government started right after my interview.”
Forty years later, Ephfrom is now a supervisor in housekeeping with NGIS. She has been in the supervisory field for 25 years and has trained hundreds of employees over the years.
“Although I’ve trained many, many employees, I have grown as an employee and as a person through training. The training I have received has helped me, especially dealing with young people. I’ve always instilled in my employees to make their own decisions and to learn for yourself,” Ephfrom said.
On a daily basis, Ephfrom has her hands full maintaining over 80 rooms with a staff of five employees.
“Her attention to detail, outstanding capabilities in cleaning and quality of care will be missed,” said LeMarian Rasberry, NGIS general manager. “Working with Mrs. Ephfrom has been a positive [experience.] She’s always in a positive mood, always smiling and gets the job done the first time.”
While reflecting over her 40 years with NGIS, Ephfrom laughed as she remembered participating in a skit on dress code in the workplace.
“I remembered wearing pink shoes and extra-long nails,” she said with a chuckle. “It has always been important for me to train my employees the right way on all aspects of the job.”
On March 1, 2020, Mrs. Ephfrom will transition to life after retirement, which looks very bright for this wife, mother and soon to be first-time grandmother. Ephfrom plans to volunteer more at her church. Traveling with her husband Ricky, associate pastor of the Living World Ministries, is also on the agenda as well as more time for sewing and catering. Of course, she will also be preparing for her little blessing, her grandbaby.
Ephfrom is very humbled to have been a part of NAS Pensacola for 40 years.
“I truly love my coworkers and staff and I will miss them dearly.”
“She has been an inspiration to us all,” said Rasberry, who has worked with Ephfrom for six years. “She has been that mother figure and spiritual leader.”
While she will be missed by all, it is indeed a time to mark a milestone. Her hard work and diligence have greatly benefited NGIS. She continues to proudly pass on to the rest of the team the knowledge and the devotion to her customers.
| Date Taken: | 11.21.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 11.21.2019 16:42 |
| Story ID: | 352869 |
| Location: | US |
| Web Views: | 71 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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