The End of An Era

Today was the end of an era for Ted’s mom, Virginia Mangum Smith.  She retired today from the U.S. Postal Service after having worked 42 years.  She served as the Postmaster of the post office in Star, Mississippi, the community where she has lived most of her life.  The amazing thing is that someone in the Mangum family has served as Postmaster since 1915, when the post office moved into the Mangum Store building.  It truly is the end of an era.


I don’t know if the folks in this little town will be able to put a stamp on an envelope without her.  The post office is more than just a mailing facility, it’s a place where community happens.  Ms. Ginger did more than just hand out the mail, she gave suckers to the kiddos, treats to the puppies, and bread to the ducks across the street.  I’ve watched her help folks fill out their money orders, address their envelopes, and wrap their packages not because it was her job, but because she cares for and loves helping people.  This is the kind of service that would make Uncle Sam proud!

My dear mother-in-law is now moving into another era.  Retirement.  She may not be standing behind the counter in the post office any more, but I have a sneaky suspicion she’ll still be seen around Star offering a helping hand, feeding the ducks, and even passing out a few suckers to the children who are smart enough to take the time to get to know the woman who probably put stamps on their grandparent’s mail.