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Reesa Daughtrey recently retired from the First Methodist Church of Andalusia after serving as the church’s office administrator for 33 years.

The church recognized her with a special meal and reception on Wednesday, Feb. 28. Church members paid tribute to her with special cards and thanked her for her years of service and dedication.

“After 33 years, I just wanted the opportunity to do some different things. I have made many friends during my time, and the job of church administrator has been a pleasure. I will miss the people I came in contact with the most because they have all been so good to me,” Daughtrey said.

Her first day was in March 1991. While her last official day on the job was the end of February, she said she would be available to help out when she is needed.

“I would like to thank God for helping me achieve 33 years in my role with the church. While I was the receptionist and did the office work, there were other duties assigned to me.”

Daughtrey felt there were many changes since she first began working at the church. However, over time, one aspect stood out to her more so than others.

“I really feel like the church has become much more friendly and accepting. The support I have received from everyone is one of the reasons this job has been so great to me. I want to thank everyone for all that support over the years,” she said.

She expressed gratitude to her fellow church members and thanked them for their support at the church recognition last week.

“They gave me such a great retirement reception. When I got home and read all the cards and well wishes, I was really overwhelmed by all of it,” Daughtrey said.

In her retirement, Daughtrey plans to spend time with her family, do some traveling, and go fishing.

Pastor Dr. Kenneth Jackson believes Daughtrey brought stabilization to the church.

“Reesa has gone through the transition of nine pastors. When I came in, she made me feel like I was a part of things. She provided information about members and was very dependable, always on time, and very trustworthy. There were times we sat and talked about things going on in our lives. She has seen the good times and some struggles during her time with the church,” Jackson said.

Jackson added that Daughtrey was not a member of the church when she first started working there but felt loved by the congregation and decided to join.

“Her character is impeccable. With everything that people come in to talk about, they talk to her and me with confidentiality. She really has a heart for ministry and people. We will miss her and it will be difficult to replace 33 years of experience. But, the new person coming in has the skills to do the job. Of course, Reesa told her to call anytime, and is continuing to be a wonderful resource. She is literally the walking encyclopedia,” he said.

Daughtrey is married to her husband Jody, and they have two grown children: Tiffany (Brent) Carter and J.C. (Tessa) Daughtrey. Shannon Haymons will take over as the church’s office administrator.

“It will be a great relationship with Shannon coming in and Reesa still around to help coach her,” Jackson said.

The First Methodist Church of Andalusia is located at 403 East Three Notch Street. Services are held on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. and Sundays at 11 a.m.

For more information call the church at 334-222-5018.