Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
Twins set to retire from Coatesville VA after 44 years
Sharon Jackson and Sheila Moore were hired on the same day in 1973
CALN » Sharon Jackson and Sheila Moore have always enjoyed doing things together. They grew up together in the same house, and even today still go to the same church, Bernardtown Baptist Church in Coatesville.
They even landed jobs on the same day at the Coatesville Veterans Administration Medical Center, where they sometimes get mixed up with patients there because they are identical twins.
Last week, state Rep. Harry Lewis Jr., R-74, awarded the twins with citations as they prepare to retire at the end of the year, following 44 years of work. It was Lewis, in fact, who helped them get their first jobs serving with the Chester County Intermediate Youth Corps.
“The girls started at the VA and never left,” Lewis said. “What an honor it is to see how some programs are successful. They never received any recognition for all their years, and they worked and raised their families. I wanted them to be noted and get some recognition.”
After 44 years working at the VA, in the kitchen, in transportation and in nursing, the twins said they are honored to be recognized.
“It was a beautiful thing,” said Sharon, 63. “It was a little overwhelming, but well deserved. I enjoyed my time at the VA. I am proud to serve the veterans.”
Sharon worked in the kitchen until she got injured and was reassigned to nursing services, and last year in the transportation office. Sheila worked in nutrition food services, often bagging lunches for veterans.
“We are very close,” Sharon said. “I love my twin.”
Sheila gave credit to her mother for instilling a good work ethic in
"The girls started at the VA and never left. What an honor it is to see how some programs are successful. They never received any recognition for all their years, and they worked and raised their families. I wanted them to be noted and get some recognition. — state Rep. Harry Lewis Jr., R-74
her children.
“She taught us that in order to achieve anything, you have to work hard,” Sheila
said. “But I will tell you, I have met a lot of good people in my time at the VA.”
The twins said they both plan to relax and enjoy not having to get up at 5 a.m. each work day, and then plan to volunteer to help others in the community.