![Ernestine "Dean" Edmunds, center, gets a hug from an attendee at her retirement party. [SPECIAL TO THE NEWS BULLETIN]](http://127.0.0.1/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/ghows-DA-64c9bc03-4dc6-3096-e053-0100007f3edf-6df96bfd.jpeg)
CRESTVIEW — A long-time employee at Crestview Manor is retiring.
Ernestine Edmunds, known as Dean, began working at the Pearl Street facility when it first opened its doors.
"She for 35 years cared [for] or touched the lives of 5,000 elder, fragile and at-risk residents, working the 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. shift," Director Becky Brice-Nash said. "She never called out (took a day off), and cared, did laundry, comforted and was a good ear to lean on.
"She loved the residents the most. I've known her for eight years and she has always been the foundation of the manor. She saved many lives and was there when God called (his) angels to heaven."
Crestview Manor is a non-profit assisted living facility with 65 licensed beds, according to FloridaHealthFinder.gov.
Edmunds' last day working there was Feb. 2. Relatives, fellow staff members and residents recognized her years of service with cake and other refreshments.
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This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 'She saved many lives'