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By JOYANNA LOVE/Senior Staff Writer

Celebration was in the air as family members, customers and friends came to Jack’s on Highway 31 to congratulate Brenda Sneed on her retirement on Sept. 5.

Sneed has worked at this location for the past 25 years, building relationships with employees and customers alike.

“I had just gotten laid off from a factory job, and my friend had started working here and she is the one that brought me aboard,” Sneed said.

She worked her way up to general manager.

“My customers kept me here,” Sneed said. “I enjoyed the customers most of all. They have different personalities, and I really, really enjoy them (and) getting to know them personally.”

The location has many customers that come every day.

She said she also enjoyed the employees she worked with.

Ensuring the quality of the food being served and seeing people enjoy it were also aspects she liked about her job.

Sneed said her favorite item on the menu changes from time to time, but right now it’s the boneless wings.

Probate Judge Jason Calhoun was on hand for the occasion and read a proclamation honoring Sneed for her years of service.

“Today is your day,” Calhoun said.

While Sneed enjoyed the job, the stress has impacted her health.

Sneed said her first plan for retirement is “two weeks of rest.”

“I have time to think about what I want to do,” Sneed said. “I used to enjoy sewing a lot, so I think that is going to be one of my hobbies.”

Customers and employees were reluctant to see her go.

“You’ll be lonesome, you’re going to have to come back and visit,” a regular customer said after congratulating Sneed.

As employees stopped at her table, Sneed took time to talk to each one.

Hostess Dot Bone described working for Sneed as “wonderful.”