LOXLEY, Ala. — When Carol Middleton started her job as a part-time assistant clerk at the Town of Loxley in January, 1971, there were only a few businesses in town, lots of farmland and a general laid-back easiness about the community.

Now, 40 years later, as the town has exploded with growth in business, housing and population, Middleton said an official goodbye and was honored for her 40 years of service at a retirement luncheon at the Loxley Civic Center.

Surrounded by a roomful of people she considers her “second family”, Middleton was treated to a delicious lunch and cake and received a beautiful necklace as a gift from the Town.

Loxley Mayor Billy Middleton expressed his appreciation for Middleton, who was only the second clerk in town history and took over in 1996 for Merle Shambo, the first clerk who also served about 40 years.

“ I have been so blessed to be able to work for the town. I so appreciate all they have done for me and my family. It was truly a joy to come to work everyday and there was never any conflict between any of us that worked together. We were like a family and still are,” Middleton said.

When Middleton began working, she had three small children, ages three months to five years old and recalls it being such a blessing to live five minutes away from work and having the flexibility to check on them daily. “Merle told me when I started that family came first and then the job and she meant it. And my kids considered town hall their second home because of the family feeling they had being there.”

A lot of changes have occurred in the town since Middleton began working there and she is amazed at what has taken place.

“When I started, there were only two people working at Town Hall, now there are five and we did our work with pencils, ledgers and typewriters back then. Now we have computers and the internet. And there has been a whirlwind of growth in businesses and subdivisions. Amazing changes,” said Middleton.

And although her retirement was “official” a few months ago, Middleton still comes in daily for a few hours to help out. “I can’t just stop cold, I need to wean myself away from here. Part of me would just die if I stopped completely. It’s nice to be able to go in an help out through lunchtime, then go home and not have all the responsibility. It’s the best of both worlds.”

Melissa Jackson, who took over for Middleton, has been with the town for 14 years and is getting used to the new responsibilities after training for about three months with Middleton before she left.

Joey Knight, civic center director, also expressed praise for Middleton. “Carol has been such a part of our lives for so long and we are so thankful for what you have done for us in the town. The transition for Melissa has been so smooth because of your help and training.”

Middleton said she really doesn’t have any big plans for retirement, just to spend time with her children, Regina, Derek and Jina and six grandchildren. “I so enjoy spending time with my family and going on vacations together and so glad they are all still in the area."