Sears retires after decades of service to county
Published 3:16 pm Wednesday, January 25, 2023
Sears with JDC MSU Extension employees Thomas Brewer, Pam Johnson and Latonya Ramsey-Chandler at her retirement reception.
Sears is presented with a resolution by JDC Board President Bobby Rushing.
Tawnya Holliman, Extension Coastal Region Extension Coordinator (right), presented Sears with a plaque in recognition of dedicated service to Mississippi State University and the MSU Extension Service.
After 26 years of service to Jefferson Davis County, Laurie Sears has retired. A reception was held at Bethany Baptist Church last month in honor of her retirement.
Tawnya Holliman, Extension Coastal Region Extension Coordinator, presented Sears with a plaque in recognition of dedicated service to Mississippi State University and the MSU Extension Service. The Jefferson Davis County Board of Supervisors presented a resolution honoring her as an asset to the citizens of the county and expressing gratitude and sincere appreciation her years of service to the county.
Laurie started with Mississippi State University Extension Service in June of 2001 as an office associate. “Laurie was often the first person to greet the clientele that came into the office,” said MSU Extension Agent Thomas Brewer. “She enjoyed serving the community by providing the clients with Mississippi State University Extension educational material and advise on a variety of topics.”
“She is the friendliest, kindest person ever,” said co-worker Latonya Ramsey-Chandler. “She always returned clients’ calls and found answers to their problems no matter what.”
During her tenure she served as an officer for the Mississippi State University Extension Service Secretary Association. Sears worked for four years at the Jefferson Davis County Soil and Water Conservation District prior to her service at the extension office.
“I have to say that I worked with some great people over the years and will miss all of them so much,” said Sears. “County employees are like family and the closeness we all share, along with Headlight personnel, is what makes our county special.”
“All the programs with Extension and the Soil and Water Conservation District over the years were all fun events and my “Make, Bake, and Decorate 4-H Club was a giant success that was a lot of fun for me, as well as the kids as well. I certainly will miss all of my coworkers!”
Sears says retirement will give her more time with her family and the hobbies she enjoys such as cooking for her family and her love of horticulture.
