By the time most of us reach retirement age, we can look back on a long and tiring career and look forward to years of well-deserved rest.
By retirement age, most of us can reflect on a long and demanding career and look forward to years of well-deserved rest.
Melba Mebane, the 90-year-old Texas woman who just announced her retirement from her retail position at a department store where she’s worked for, wait, 74 years, is undoubtedly one of the few people who deserves a break.
According to rumors, Melba started her work at the Tyler, Texas Dillard’s department store back in 1949. At just 17 years old, she got a position as an elevator operator.
After being promoted to the cosmetics division, Melba stayed true to her work for more than seven decades.
Store manager James Saenz had nothing but respect for Melba when she finally decided to leave her post, he told Fox News:
“Even with the changing times from where she started to [where] we are now in the modern world, her values and everything still stand.”
According to sources, Melba was always a positive influence at work, coming in every day with a smile on her face and a strong work ethic.
And what is perhaps the most incredible thing about the whole story? Melba said she never once called in sick or missed a shift in her 74-year career as a worker.
“Melba sets the tone for everything, every expectation, and every quality of customer service we look for in a luxury experience,” said store manager Saenz.
Terry Mebane, Melba’s son, added: “She’s a grinder. She came in between nine and nine-fifteen because the business doesn’t open until ten and she wanted her parking spot.”
Melba also developed the practice of shorter lunch breaks. This was done, according to Terry, “because she knew that people would often come to the mall [during] the lunch hour to buy whatever they wanted, and she didn’t want to miss her opportunity.”
According to the New York Post, Melba continued to work 40 hours a week into her 80s.
Melba told KLTV7, “I loved everyone there and I loved going to work.”
Unfortunately, Melba recently experienced health issues that forced her to accept what some might consider a delayed retirement.
At a retirement party hosted by Dillar’s for the non-generic, Melba received a “Beyond Excellence” award in the form of a plaque that will remain in the store.
I don’t know about you, but Melby’s story certainly motivates me. We wish her good health, joy, and a peaceful retirement.
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Melba’s story is truly inspirational and serves as a reminder that hard work, dedication, and a positive attitude can lead to a fulfilling and successful career. Her unwavering dedication to her work, her customers, and her work ethic are qualities we can all strive to emulate in our own lives.
We congratulate Melba on her well-deserved retirement and wish her continued health, happiness, and a comfortable retirement. Her story reminds us that age is just a number and that it’s never too late to make a lasting impact in our chosen field. Melba Mebane, thank you for being an inspiration to us all.
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