A special reception and celebration was held on Tuesday, May 30, for Doris Thomas, Crenshaw County Administrator, in the commission chambers of the courthouse.

Thomas retired from her position with the county officially on May 31 with over 30 years of service to Crenshaw County.

The commission chamber was full to overflowing with Thomas' entire family and many friends and co-workers present to honor her and wish her well in her retirement.

&#8220Mrs. Doris has done a tremendous job for the people of Crenshaw County for many years,” Commission Chairman Ronnie Hudson said. &#8220We can't thank her enough for all of her hard work and for the dedication she has shown in her position.”

Hudson presented Thomas with a plaque and a resolution that was adopted by the Crenshaw County Commission to recognize her for her years of service.

&#8220Mrs. Doris and I have worked together a long time, and we've been through a lot together,” Sherry McSwean, County Revenue Commissioner, said. &#8220I am really going to miss her being here.”

Thomas began her employment with the county on Sept. 1, 1976, where she worked in the Probate Judge's office for 19 years. She then transferred to the County Commission office as assistant administrator for six years and has served as the county administrator for the last five years.

&#8220I have only worked with Doris a little over two years, but during that time, I have seen a couple of life lessons in herŠmost importantly is that regardless of who you are dealing with as administrator, you should treat everyone equally, just as you would expect to be treated,” David Smyth, who served under Thomas as assistant administrator, said. &#8220I have enjoyed working with Doris, and I look forward to her working with us part-time.”

&#8220I've enjoyed working here and the people I work with,” Thomas said. &#8220I appreciate everyone coming today and making this special for me.”

Thomas then told about a yellow baby blanket that she had displayed in the commission chambers.

&#8220This is very special to me because the ladies in the courthouse made this baby blanket for me when my youngest son was born, and they embroidered their names on it,” she said. &#8220I've had it all these years.”

Donald Thomas, her husband, laughed and said that now she was retiring, he could get &#8220Mrs. Doris” to help him in their chicken houses.

&#8220You just think that,” she said, laughing.

After the presentations, everyone signed a guest registry book and enjoyed punch and refreshments. Also, Thomas had brought a photo album containing many pictures of courthouse staff throughout the years for everyone to see.