Melba Melbane retired last week from a job a department store job she held for 74 years in Tyler, Texas.
She was 16 years old when she started as an elevator operator before opting to help men find the right clothing for them. She closed out her storied career working in the cosmetics department.
“She is the happiest most ‘up’ person who gives so much service to the community. She’s made so many friends. I would come watch her in cosmetics and just go, ‘I wish I could be like that,’ because she was incredible with people,” said Drue Dillard Matheny, the vice president of Dillard’s.
“Can you imagine how many people she coached and taught and trained to aspire to be more?” James Saenz, Melba’s manager told KLTV.
But, after seven decades of service, Melba opted to retire while she was young enough to have some fun. She plans to rest, travel and eat lots of good food.
“I loved everybody there, and I loved to go to work every day,” Melba said.
To celebrate Melba’s career, the store hosted a reception in her honor.
Melba’s story is a testament to her faith in God’s plan and her commitment to serving others with joy, love, and dedication, Faithpot reported, citing Colossians 3:23. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,” the passage reads.
Photo appeared in Faithpot.
After closing his business and enduring several painful years of uncertainty regarding what to do with his life, Greg founded Forward From 50 to help men and women over 50 to live more purposeful lives by pursuing things they are passionate about. A Wisconsin native, Greg currently lives in Arizona.