Brewster Baby: Cecil Wright
UF Health Jacksonville employee who was born at Brewster Hospital celebrates 59 years with the company.
Employees at UF Health Jacksonville know Cecil Wright as a hard worker with a vibrant and giving personality. What they may not know is that her journey with the organization dates back to her birth.
“When I was born at Brewster Hospital,” Wright said, “my family lived in a house on 13th Street, and I learned my brother was also born at Brewster.”
Wright was born at Brewster Hospital
In addition to being a “Brewster baby,” Wright later worked at Brewster for a number of years.
“I started when I was a student at Edward Waters College. I’d be at the hospital and the school a half day each,” Wright said.
She continued to work at Brewster in the Medical Records department through the transition to Methodist Hospital and eventual change to UF Health Jacksonville.
“It’s like working with family,” Wright said.
Wright attended Edward Waters College while working at Brewster Hospital.
One thing she remembers about Brewster is how beautiful the hospital was, with its big, green lawn and azaleas in bloom around the building.
Wright recalled the year there was a rumor that Brewster Hospital, then part of Methodist Hospital, was closing. She started to look for another job, and when she found one, she went to Marcus Drewa, the hospital administrator, to submit her resignation. Drewa told her he didn’t want her to leave, and persuaded her to stay.
“I’m glad I stayed,” Wright said. “Mr. Drewa was like family to the employees.”
Wright with Marcus Drewa, the hospital administrator and CEO for three decades, beginning in 1966.
In addition to her work, Wright enjoys many types of volunteer work. She has been a Girl Scout leader and a Sunday school teacher for many years.
“I believe in a daily walk with God and maintaining your faith,” Wright said.
She passed this passion of helping others to her children. Both her daughter, Sabrina, and her son, Sam, volunteered at the hospital in their youth. They were both recipients of the “12 Kids Who Care” award and they also received scouting honors for their volunteer work.
In 2020, Wright celebrated 59 years as an employee, the longest tenure of anyone in the organization.
Visit History.UFHealthJax.org to read more stories like this one.
Today, Cecil Wright is a UF Health employee and is proud of her long tenure with the company.
