ēCO Credit Union has a strong commitment to the communities where our members live, work, and play. We are excited to continue the #eCOmmunity program in 2022. We are proud to recognize those who go above and beyond for their community through the #eCOmmunity initiative.
Each month, members of the community who embody the credit union philosophy of “People Helping People” are nominated by ēCO employees to be “Credit Unioned.”
Nicole Baird, Alabaster Branch Member Service Representative, nominated Franklin and Erma Kirksey to be “Credit Unioned” for August. She said, “Mr. and Mrs. Kirksey both have true servant’s hearts. They are always out in the community volunteering and spreading love and light to everyone they meet.”
Franklin and Erma Kirksey are from Helena, Alabama, and have been members of ēCO for over 35 years. In November, they will be celebrating 48 years of marriage. Together they share two daughters, five grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.
Franklin is the pastor at Voice of Faith International Ministries in Helena, Alabama,
where Erma also serves as a minister. Together, they have served as ministers for over 30 years. Franklin and Erma also serve the community as chaplains. Franklin is a chaplain for the Columbiana Police Department, Helena Police Department, and the Shelby County Sherriff’s Office. Erma serves as a chaplain at Shelby Baptist Medical Center in Alabaster, Alabama. For the past five years, she has provided counseling, support, prayer, and spiritual encouragement and comfort to patients, primarily in the outpatient surgery unit, cardiac unit, and the women’s center. They also lead Bible studies for the elderly at nursing homes and officers of the local police departments and serve as mentors for local students.
“I nominated Mr. and Mrs. Kirksey because they are always there to lend a helping
hand to their neighbors,” said Baird. “I have seen people’s faces light up when they run into them and heard countless praises from others who have interacted with them. They volunteer their time at many places within the community, hospitals, nursing homes, police departments, and schools, with their only goal or intention being to give back and bless others. Any time there is a need, I know we don’t have to hesitate to talk to them or ask for help because they are always ready and willing to do whatever they can to give support, encouragement, prayer, and love. “
“There is just so much the Lord has blessed us to be able to do within the community,” said Erma Kirksey. “It is just so awesome the things that God allows us to do. I love God, and I love people.”
ēCO Credit Union employees surprised Mr. and Mrs. Kirksey on Wednesday, September 14, with a gift basket and VISA gift card at the Alabaster Branch.
“It is just a blessing here at this branch. It is more than just a branch; it’s a family,”
said Franklin Kirksey. “They take care of us, and every time we come in here, I don’t care what is going on; they all have a smile on their face and cheer one another up. I just thank God for this branch. Nicole is such a loving person. When I first met her, she had an attitude of love, which is what I caught onto. Once she goes through the transaction process, she always asks, ‘Is there anything else I can do?’, and it wasn’t a mask; it was genuine love and care, both professional and personal. She has always gone 100 percent and above to provide the best service. I love her and thank God for her.”
“And not only Nicole, but all of the ladies here at Alabaster, Ana and Stacey, all of them go above and beyond to help everyone,” said Erma Kirksey. “It has been such a nice family. We really appreciate them and all they do.”
“There’s not anything that my wife and I wouldn’t do for any of these ladies here,” said Franklin Kirksey. “We would step out all of the way if they needed us. It wouldn’t matter what time of night or day; we would be here for them and always praying for them.”
Thank you, Franklin and Erma Kirksey, for all you do to bring kindness, compassion, and encouragement to those around you.