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Velentina Boulter
Melba Mebane, a 90-year-old from Texas, has finally retired from her retail job after 74 years.
In her over seven decades at the job, Mebane never once called in sick or missed a day of work.
The 90-year-old worked in retail at Dillard’s, a department store in the US.
Mebane was first hired at Dillard’s when she was 17 years old, working as an elevator girl before moving into men’s clothing and the cosmetics department.
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Upon retiring, she was honoured with a special Beyond Excellence award from her store manager James Saenz.
“'Beyond Excellence' is for her decades of service beyond expectations. Even [with] the changing times, from where she started to where we are now in the modern world, her values and everything still stand,” the store manager told Texas station KLTV7.
A plaque with Mebane’s photo on it has been placed on a wall inside the store.
“It will remain here for as long as Dillard’s is around," he added.
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In a statement to Fox News Saenz said: “She's not just a salesperson. She's a mother. She guides you. She gives you advice on life. She’s amazing.
“Can you imagine how many people she coached and taught and trained to aspire to be more?”
Ginger Wimbs, a friend who’s worked with Mebane for the past 33 years told Fox News: “She's taught me so much.
“She works and works and works the floor. She keeps everybody talking. She keeps everybody laughing.”
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While working at Dillard’s, Mebane was also raising her Terry as a single mother.
“She's a grinder,” her son said.
“She was the first person in the door and had her counter ready. She did the prep work.”
In her last 25 years at the job, William Dillard, founder of Dillard’s, told Mebane that she could keep job for as long as she wanted and didn’t have to work night or Sunday shifts.
“And by doing that for her, it extended her life," said Mebane’s son.
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Mebane’s retirement party was put on by Dillard’s and featured balloons, streamers, music and food, with close family and co-workers in attendance.
When asked what advice she has for new workers who are just starting out, Mebane said: “Come to work. Never see it as a paycheck. Stay where God planted you.”
She plans to spend her retirement traveling, trying good foods, and resting.