On Monday, June 30th, city employees and members of the community gathered to celebrate the retirement of long-time city payroll technician, Sheila Windham. Windham retired after nearly 21 years of service to the City of Laurel.
Windham plans to travel with her husband, Wayne, and is looking forward to visiting the Smoky Mountains- her favorite destination- as well as taking a long-anticipated trip to the Grand Canyon, which she has always dreamed of seeing.
During her retirement party on Monday afternoon, Windham’s coworkers presented her with gifts to show their appreciation, the HR department presented her with a plaque, and Laurel Mayor Johnny Magee proclaimed the day at Sheila Windham Day in the city.
The Proclamation read as follows
Honoring the Retirement of Sheila Windham, Payroll Extraordinaire and Guardian of the Paycheck
Whereas, for nearly 21 years, Sheila Windham has dutifully ensured that every penny, nickel, and dime made its way to the right pocket of City of Laurel employees, and not a minute too late; and
Whereas, her sharp eye and calm demeanor ensured payroll week ran like clockwork instead of chaos; and
Whereas, Sheila deftly navigated time sheets, withholdings, and direct deposits, and while the stacks of paper on her desk resembled the New York City skyline, she worked with such clarity and control that we knew better than to question the process; and
Whereas, Sheila’s office, famously free of extra chairs, served as a gentle nudge to keep small talk short and productivity high;
Whereas, while we are thrilled for Sheila as she embarks on a new lifestyle of well-deserved naps and no pressing deadlines, we shall dearly miss her presence, professionalism, and warm heart.
Now, therefore, I, Johnny Magee, Mayor of the City of Laurel, Mississippi, do hereby proclaim Monday, June 30, 2025 as Shelia Windham Day in the City of Laurel and do hereby urge our employees and all citizens to join me in expressing our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Sheila for her years of service and wishing her happiness and fulfillment in her retirement.
In witness thereof, I, have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the City of Laurel, Mississippi to be affixed this the 30th day of June, A.D. 2025.
