Keller retires after 30 years of service with post office

Gaffney Post Office worker Laura Keller receives a bouquet of roses in addition to a special service award for her 30 years of work with the postal service. She retired Wednesday. For Gaffney Post Office worker Laura Keller, Wednesday was a long time coming.

Dedicating 30 years of her life to the job she loves, she said goodbye to the line of work and the people she held near to her heart.

"I thought about bringing in a CD, likely one with the Hallelujah Chorus on it," Keller said. "But I know a lot of people don't believe they'll ever be able to retire. But I'm here to prove it can be done."

Keller had been a pillar of strength at the local post office since 1978, said Gaffney Postmaster Garvin Daniels, who said he still remembers her first day on the job.

"She's been a big part of what we've done over the years, helping us at our old building and eventually the transition to this one on Floyd Baker Boulevard," Daniels said. "The good reputation of the Postal Service is built on the loyal service of employees like her, and all we can do is say thanks for her 30 years of service."

Daniels and Keller's fellow employees made sure her last day was one she would remember, handing her a bouquet of roses and hosting a party in her honor.

"When I come back I might cry," Keller said, "but right now is a time of reflection and looking back on the time I've been here."

In addition, she also was given a service award for her time at the post office.

"We still can't believe it has been 30 years since (Keller) started to work here at the Gaffney Post Office," Daniels said. "Time has really gone by as I got to know Laura and the many responsibilities she has both here and at home. We appreciate all she has done and she will definitely be missed by all of us at the post office."