Walgreens’ Longest-Serving Employee Retires at 88, Reflects on Memorable 67-Year Career
Melba Russell, an 88-year-old Southaven woman, has retired from Walgreens after an impressive 67-year career, securing her place as the company’s longest-serving employee. Russell started working for Walgreens when she was just 19 years old, joining a store located on South Main in Memphis in 1956. After dedicating a significant portion of her life to the company, Russell bid farewell to store number 3013 on Elvis Presley Boulevard in Whitehaven in May.
Reflecting on her remarkable journey, Russell revealed that she had originally planned to work at Walgreens for only six months. However, those six months turned into decades, as she thoroughly enjoyed her time there. With a touch of nostalgia, she recalled the swift passage of time, remarking, Time passes fast.
During her early years at the company, Russell worked at the lunch counter of the Walgreens store in Downtown Memphis. Fondly reminiscing, she mentioned that they used to sell slices of strawberry pie for a mere 35 cents. Russell amusingly shared that she was too young to ring up beer at the time, so she instead worked on the cafeteria side of the establishment.
Over the years, Russell witnessed the relocation of the Walgreens store from 2 South Main to 64 North Main, contributing to the company’s growth and evolution. She also spent a few years as an assistant store manager in Huntsville, Alabama, when her husband received a job transfer. Nevertheless, she spent the majority of her career, spanning 25 years, at the Whitehaven store.
Russell’s affinity for her work was evident as she mentioned her pleasure in supervising the unloading of stock from big trucks. Retirement was not part of her plan; however, a bad hip forced her to step away from her duties temporarily. Though her hip has since healed, Russell still chose retirement, acknowledging that she misses her customers and co-workers. She maintains regular contact with her former colleagues, speaking to some of them two to three times every week. Calling them sweet, she fondly refers to them as her family.
The dedicated Walgreens employee, who lost her husband, has two children, two grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. At almost 89 years old, Russell continues to drive and has no intention of slowing down anytime soon. Rejecting the idea of retiring and sitting idle, she emphasized the importance of staying active, stating that you got to keep moving, or they say you are going to lose it.
Russell takes immense pride in being Walgreens’ longest-serving employee and remains unconcerned about someone breaking her record. She believes that the nature of the modern workforce and the variety of employment options available today make it unlikely for anyone to surpass her achievement. Russell will celebrate her 89th birthday on August 9, cherishing her extraordinary milestone and the legacy she leaves behind.
As Melba Russell looks back on her 67-year career with Walgreens, her story serves as an inspiration, highlighting the value of loyalty, commitment, and dedication. Her long-lasting impact on the company and the enduring relationships she has built are testaments to the significance of hard work and a genuine passion for one’s profession. Melba Russell has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the Walgreens family.
