Senior Centers director stepping down after 35 years
By JOE L. HUGHES II Ledger Staff Writer joe@gaffneyledger.com

JOYCE BEASON

Joyce Beason often reflects on when she began her stint as executive director at the Senior Centers of Cherokee County.

After 35 years, Beason will step down at the end of this year.

Under her leadership, the organization has made leaps and bounds.

"I first began as a member of the organization in February 1972, a time where we had a cold office on the top floor of the courthouse with only three employees," Beason said. "Back then our seniors were too proud to ask for help - now they seem to be enjoying their old age."

Beason made the decision a few weeks ago to leave the job, citing the fact she has worked well past retirement.

"I've worked past the age of retirement and believe it is time for someone else to take the lead," Beason said. "It has definitely been great and I will miss each and everyone."

During her time as executive director, Beason has helped establish many activities within the organization, including a number of trips to places in Greenville, Spartanburg and Columbia. She has also helped increase health awareness among senior citizens by hosting various fairs and counseling Continued from Page 1A services and authoring her column in The Weekly Ledger.

"(Beason) has been quite an asset for the Senior Center in addition to her health columns in The Weekly Ledger," The Gaffney Ledger Publisher Cody Sossamon said. "Her services will definitely be missed."

"This has been a wonderful ministry for me as it gave me a chance to make things better for our senior citizens," Beason said.

Though she is retiring, Beason plans to continue to help when needed in the community as a volunteer.

"I have been blessed over the years to be able to wear many hats," Beason said. "Now with me stepping back a little bit it will enable me to help in a wealth of other areas as well."

Joan Wood, who has worked under Beason for a number of years, will take over the position as the executive director of the Senior Centers on Jan. 1.

"She is well trained as part of this organization and I believe she will do a great job," Beason said. "This has been a team effort for a number of years and she has been a part of that. She is equipped to keep the Senior Centers' momentum going."

"(Beason's) compassion for our senior citizens is something I hope to emulate as the new executive director of the Senior Centers," Wood said. "I hope to give all I can to seniors as an effort to give them the best quality of life in their later years."

Though she will not be around on an everyday basis, Beason said her face will still be seen at the Senior Centers, with the possibility of her taking part in many of the events she helped implement.

"I'm going to enjoy using a lot of these services," Beason said. "But for the most part, I'm going to enjoy the fellowship that I will have with my peers."