An elderly woman has finally retired after working non-stop for over 70 years.
Melba Mebane, a 90-year-old woman, recently retired after an impressive 74-year career in sales at Dillard's department store in Tyler, Texas.
Throughout her entire career, she never missed a day of work or called in sick. Starting as an elevator girl in 1949, Melba worked her way up to the cosmetics department, where she remained until her retirement.
She was known for her exceptional customer service skills and ability to turn small sales into significant ones.
James Saenz, the store manager of Dillard's in Tyler, Texas, described Melba as someone who set the tone for the store and embodied all the qualities they looked for in providing a luxury customer experience.
Mr Saenz told Fox News of Melba: "She's not just a salesperson. She's a mother. She guides you. She gives you advice on life. She’s amazing."
He praised her for coaching, teaching, and training numerous people throughout her career and admired the impact she had on people's lives.
Melba formed close friendships with her colleagues, and her hard work and dedication earned her the admiration of her coworkers, and even the corporate leadership of Dillard's, including the Dillard family.
In a statement, Melba expressed her enjoyment of working with "great ladies who love to eat, laugh, and cut up" at Dillard's. She cherished the camaraderie and friendship she experienced with her coworkers.
Melba also mentioned that during her time on the sales floor, she loved seeing everyone she knew. Melba's son also fondly recalled accompanying her to work as a child and being inspired by her work ethic.
He said: "I rode the bus in the afternoon to my grandparents' house because my mom not only loved her job, but we obviously needed her job.
"There were times that I would get my grandfather to take me up to the store at about 7 pm and I would get to kind of run around the mall or the store and hang out with her so that I could ride with her home at nine o'clock.
"It was really fun times. I grew up in Dillard’s."
Over the years, Melba developed a strong bond with her customers, who would specifically seek her out for their purchases.
Dillard's also benefited from her longevity, as customers would often leave if Melba wasn't available to assist them. In her later years, she adjusted her schedule to avoid working nights and Sundays.
After facing some health issues, Melba decided to retire at the age of 90. She reflected on her challenges in adapting to technology and the pressures of performing well in her role.
Her advice to newcomers in the business is to approach work with dedication and see it as more than just a paycheck.
Dillard's organised a retirement celebration for Melba, presenting her with a "Beyond Excellence" award and hanging her photo plaque in the store as a tribute to her decades of exceptional service.
Melba's friends and coworkers will miss not only her sales abilities but also her caring and giving personality.
