Lee County thanks Harriet Myers for a job well done

EVAN WILLIAMS/FLORIDA WEEKLY Harriet Myers, center, at a party in her honor. Myers is retiring after 35 years working for Lee County. Last week, a group of friends and coworkers gathered for cake in downtown Fort Myers, to see what the end of a 35-year career for Lee County looks like — and it was all smiles.

"I don't have to get up early if I don't want to," said Harriet Myers, sales manager for the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau. Before that, she worked in data processing. "My plans are to get up, get a cup of coffee and get dressed when I want to get dressed. My plan is to do that for a whole week."

Myers, who wore a button that said "I'm so EXCITED; ask me why" also added, "But I don't plan to be a couch potato. That's not my style."

The gathering included one of Myers' nine sisters, who will be retiring this September after working for Lee County for 21 years. Her only brother, Eddie Felton, wrote in her guest book that he'd give her a couch to sleep on for one night only, now that she's out of a job.

"She's gonna be homeless," he joked, but added, "It's time. I'm proud of her staying in one place for 35 years."

Myers, 59, grew up in Fort Myers and graduated from the all-black Dunbar High in 1967 — three years before schools in Lee County were integrated.

"We enjoyed our education," she said.

Her only complaint was the used, sometimes scribbled in textbooks her teachers made do with.

While working in Lee, Myers helped found the Black History Museum, and continues to volunteer as a youth director at Friendship Baptist Church. She and her husband started a family. They have a son, who is retired from the U.S. Navy and lives in Jacksonville with two children; and a daughter who lives in Lehigh Acres with two children.

Although Myers has fond memories of her co-workers, it will be her family she sees in her days ahead.

"Like I told 'em at the office, I don't plan to be a frequent visitor," Myers said. "Not that I don't love you guys."

Her co-workers raved about her.

"Harriet is the most special person you'll ever meet," said Tamara Pigott, the deputy director of the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau, who has worked with Myers for eight years. "You'll never see her without a smile on her face."

That was especially true that day. One co-worker, Marla Powell, started working for the county about a month before Myers, and remembered meeting her when she was a newly minted county employee.

"Actually, she hasn't changed," Powell said. "She was bubbly, very friendly, outgoing. She hasn't changed a bit."

Others mused about the meaning of 35 years.

"The rest of us think five years in one place is a long time," said co-worker Pamela Johnson. "So 35…indeed."

Lee County Manager Don Stilwell also stopped by to offer a hug and congratulations. So did a few employees at the County Administration Building, who were drawn in by the cake — expertly crafted, a light layering of strawberries and whipped cream — after word got around that it came from Mason's Bakery.

Myers last day as a county worker will be Aug. 29, but she will have technically reached the 35 year mark on Aug. 27. Until then, and after the party, she was headed back to the office.

"I still have some work to do," she said. "I'm helping a customer on a family reunion, so I have to get that done. I'm working right up to the last day."

Others kept arriving — there was Steve from Human Recourses, Judy from Temping — all offering hugs, and generating more laughter and smiles.

"She's given a lot to Lee County," said long-time co-worker Nancy Hamilton, communications director, Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau. "She's given a lot to the community over the years. We're happy to see that it's now her time to enjoy all the things she wants to do."