Janet Spears Celebrates Retirement from Crawfordville Post Office

Over 135 people attended a retirement for Janet Spears at the Wakulla County Senior Center on February 9, 2008.  The mound of incredibly delicious food was casual but “lip smackin’ good”.  It was all prepared by Chef Mary Harrison of the Senior Citizen’s Center and was enjoyed by all. 

Guests danced the night away to the music of "The Bravest Little Band" with Jim Gibson (a regular with the Sopchoppy Opry).  A Dancing with the Stars event was held with hosts Janet and Marshall Spears getting a rating of 10, 10.5, and 10.

According to Warren Harden, Postmaster Retired, “Janet sets a first for many things in Wakulla County.  She was the first female Rural Carrier to be hired and the first female Rural Carrier to retire from Crawfordville.  When she was hired there were only 3 routes in 32327.  Now I think there are over 16 routes.  I was always worried about her safety…a woman out in those desolate rural areas, and back then we didn’t have cell phones.  But she was always there – dependable, and gave excellent service.”

{sidebar id=1}Retired Postmaster Becky Shuler states that, “Janet was the most amazing in performance and service to her community.  She was selected to let Wakulla News Reporter, Keith Blackmar, see what it was like to be a rural carrier for a day.  I know he never looked at the mail carriers the same after that.  Janet excelled in everything she did… customer service, accuracy on mail delivery, attendance, attitude; I could go on forever.  She won several awards for Sustained Outstanding Performance.  I think I am more proud of her retirement than I was my own.  The last two years were pretty rough going.  It didn’t look like she was going to be able to fulfill her lifelong dream of earning a regular retirement, but she persevered and on January 31, 2008 she completed a distinguished career that started on April 5, 1980."

Janet and Marshall plan to travel and continue with their dancing and caring for their new grandson, Morgan Keith Mercer.  They do not plan to change any of their community activities and thank all the citizens of Crawfordville for being the most wonderful customers in the world, and giving her the opportunity to serve in the best job in the world.

Click here for a photo gallery of the evening's festivities!  

Just a note…if anyone is looking for a great place to have a party, have it catered by the Senior Citizens Center.  Not only is the place roomy and comfortable, but the proceeds go to benefit the Senior Citizens!

- Submitted by Becky Shuler

This article originally published on February 22, 2008.

Written by :

Becky Shuler

 

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