Wednesday (6.27.18) was a celebratory day for Debra Murrell who was recognized for her 20 years of service to the. City of Lakeland.
Mrs. Murrell, the community development specialist, was fêted with a luncheon and gifts at the IH Center, hosted by her co-workers.
She expected a staff meeting but she says, “I was totally shocked at the magnitude and all the effort that went into making this event so amazing. It really touched and warmed my heart and I never expected or imagined it would be such. I became suspicious when I realized the staff meeting was being held at the IH Club. I was totally surprised to see my family and friends present.”
Her son Jerrick Murrell was there with his wife, Deanne along with her daughter Tiffany Murrell, two friends and a cousin.
The gourmet lunch was catered by a city employee, Eddie Jackson, who just happens to be a graduate of L’Ecole Culinaire Memphis. Among the menu items were Tuscan chicken pasta, spinach and strawberry salad, blueberry and lemon cheesecake and peach cobbler.
Twenty years ago, Mrs. Murrell was hired to be the utility clerk/minutes clerk. She audited the MLGW and sewer accounts and established trash service for new residents.
Over the years she has been the recorder for various Boards in the City, even the BOC (Board of Commissioners) on occasion.
Her titles have changed from development facilitator to business liaison/friendly faces, administrative assistant/code enforcement to her current title.
“For 20 years I have watched Lakeland progress and the once small building grow into the current City Hall with all the additions,” she said.
So why has she stayed so long? “I decided to stay because I never leave a job,” said Mrs. Murrell. I have had only four jobs in my life. Two went out of business and I am still employed at the other two.” She has worked part time at Dillard’s for 19 years, currently in the handbags department.
The best part of her Lakeland job, she says, is great co-workers, board members and assisting the residents of Lakeland.
She is a native of Fayette County and has lived in Oakland most of her life. She has an associate degree in business from Southwest Community College and is a Certified Municipal Clerk for Tennessee.
Mrs. Murrell says she is happily divorced with three children and one grandson. Her daughter is a nurse, one son is a lawyer and the other son is a senior at the University of Memphis, planning to go to medical school. Her grandson is a junior at Alcorn State University in Mississippi and plays football.
“I love working with the public and I never meet a stranger on both my jobs.” Of her Dillard’s job she says, “I also love to shop so it’s a win-win situation not to mention the employee discount.”
Her awards included an engraved Michael Kors watch, engraved paperweight and a poster which she plans to frame. “I cherish it the most. It includes pictures of all the staff and departments holding letters which spell Thank you for 20 years.”
She added, “I am truly feeling very special and so appreciated to be considered worthy of all the attention and recognition.”
Does she plan to stay longer with the City? “I would love to stay for another 20 years because I will still be 36 and holding.
“I thank everyone for the role they played in making my honor day so special.”
Link to Google album: https://photos.app.goo.gl/eXSrdstaheKoXPdD7
… Photos by Jim Willis, Lakeland Currents
