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By J.R. TIDWELL / Editor

A crowd of fellow employees, customers and other well wishers gathered for a retirement ceremony for Pat Baker at River Bank & Trust in Clanton Dec. 8.

Baker is retiring from River Bank & trust after almost 46 years of service to the company.

“If you look around you can see just how much Miss Pat is appreciated,” said River Bank President Darren Wilson. “We appreciate you all coming to celebrate with us.”

After a few words, Wilson passed the microphone, so to speak, to Richard Moore, the long-time president of People’s Southern Bank before it became part of River Bank & trust.

“There’s not enough time for me to say all the nice things that I want to say about Pat and her family,” Moore said. “They have meant so much to this bank and to me. Pat has been our ‘mama’ for as long as I can remember.

“She has been so dedicated to the bank. There is no job that has been too large for Pat to do, and there has been no job too small for her to do. I so much appreciate that. She has been dedicated to her customers.”

Next up to speak was Debbie Jones, who represented the other River Bank employees Baker worked with over the year.

“Pat and I started at People’s Savings Bank back in 1974,” Jones said. “She came in on Jan. 10, and I came in on Jan. 17. Since then, other than time spent home with children, we have been here.

“We are a family. We have been a family here. We’ve had some fun times. The best part is the relationships that we have made over the years. She has served her customers well, and she has served us well. We’re going to miss you.”

After Jones and Wilson presented Baker with tokens of the their and the company’s appreciation, Baker took some time to thank everyone in attendance for coming.

“I do love my customers and all my employees,” she said. “They are my family. Y’all have all meant so much to me over the years. It’s been a good ride, and I’m very blessed.”