Loan officer embodies virtue of compassion

By Travina Coleman
Phoenix Staff Writer

April 19, 2008 09:37 pm

— Sally Shipman is loved by her co-workers at First National Bank of Muskogee, where she works as a loan officer.
Shipman of Muskogee has been voted March’s Character Council winner as one who best exemplifies “compassion.” Co-workers Jennifer Groover and Jennifer Cotner nominated Shipman for the honor.
“It doesn’t matter if she knows you on a personal level or if you are just coming in the bank for a cup of coffee,” said Groover. “The kindness she portrays on a daily basis is truly a blessing to others.”
The mayor will honor Shipman at 7 p.m. May 27 at a Muskogee City Council meeting on the third floor of Muskogee Municipal Building.
Shipman said she gets her compassion from her parents — especially her mother, the late Nancy Grimes of Muskogee.
“I saw my mom as very caring, understanding and non-judgmental,” she said. “I try to do my patterns around God’s plan, there’s not a lot of compassion in the world right now.”
Shipman belongs to the First Baptist Church and has a daughter, Taylor, 24.
Cotner said Shipman always has shown a caring and compassionate attitude toward co-workers, customers and strangers.
“It does not matter how busy Sally is, she always makes time to listen to someone in need and she does it with a smile and caring spirit.”
Shipman said people need to work together and reach out to others.
“People need to know others care about their situation,” she said. Everybody has struggles and issues that need worked out — people need people.”
While Shipman insists there is someone more deserving of the honor, he co-workers disagree.
Groover said she is such a loving, special person to all who come in contact with her.
“She always takes the time to try and turn a sour situation sweet,” she said. “No matter who is at fault.”

March: Compassion — Investing whatever is necessary to heal the hurts of others.

To nominate
Character Council of Muskogee seeks nominations for the April character quality trait, “persuasiveness” — guiding vital truths around another’s mental roadblocks.
Five keys:
• Set the scene.
• Present the evidence.
• Illustrate your point.
• Make application.
• Appeal to the conscience.
E-mail nominations to features@muskogeephoenix.com, fax 684-2865 or mail to Features, P.O. Box 1968, Muskogee 74402. Include an explanation of how the nominee exhibits persuasiveness in daily life. Include your name and phone number, along with the name and phone number of the nominee. The winner will be honored by Muskogee City Council.

Character Council words
• April: Persuasiveness — Guiding vital truths around another’s mental roadblocks.

• May: Wisdom — Seeing and responding to life situations from a perspective that transcends my current circumstances.

• June: Joyfulness — Maintaining a good attitude, even when faced with unpleasant conditions.
• July: Alertness — Being aware of what is taking place around me so I can have the right responses.
• August: Decisiveness — The ability to recognize key factors and finalize difficult decisions.
• September: Truthfulness — Earning future trust by accurately reporting past facts.
• October: Obedience — Quickly and cheerfully carrying out the direction of those who are responsible for me.

• November: Gratefulness — Letting others know by my words and actions how they have benefited me.

• December: Generosity — Carefully managing my resources so I can freely give to those in need.

Reach Travina Coleman at 918-684-2901 or Click Here to Send Email

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