BIBB COUNTY, Ga. — After 56 years with Bibb County Schools, Thelma Dillard is saying farewell.
She first retired in 2011 after teaching for 44 years. Then she jumped right back into education as a member of the Bibb County Board of Education. She served for 12 years.
Dillard says her joy comes from serving mankind.
"It's a little sad feeling for me,” she said. “I guess officially I'm retiring from education. I have served 44 years as an educator. 44 wonderful, beautiful years of love and hope and encouragement for our children, our staff. That's my family."
She's reflecting on her journey that wasn’t always an easy one.
"My family were involved in the integration of the school system and that was a long road and brought about many challenges," she said.
Dillard's family helped desegregate Bibb County schools almost 60 years ago. Her brother Bert Bivens was the first black student to attend Dudley M. Hughes Vocational School.
Dillard said serving is in her nature because her mother instilled in her and her siblings to always extend a helping hand to the people around them.
“No matter what situations they are in, I encourage young people that no matter who you are and where you came from, you can be successful if you want to be,” she said. “You can be whatever you want to be. I love telling them that because I came from poverty; all seven of my mother's children, and everybody did what they wanted to do and became very successful.”
To celebrate her commitment to the district, the Central High School zone schools gave her a surprise retirement ceremony. One of Dillard’s favorite assignments over the years was going to graduation.
"I looked forward to graduations to shake the hands of those students moving it on into bigger, better life,” she said. “Going into challenges but going into success. Being doctors, lawyers and teachers and all the different careers out there, they were going into a whole new world."
Dillard said she's sad to leave her official role but will still find a new way to reach and encourage students.
Dillard's term on the Bibb County school board wraps up this month. Henry Ficklin will succeed her in the new year.