Harwell saying farewell after 47 years at Baptist Day Care

Says she'll miss the many parents and the many students the most

Although most people look forward to retirement, for Pat Harwell her retirement after 47 years as director of the First Baptist Church Day Care comes with mixed emotions.

"It didn't seem like work to me," Harwell said. "I enjoyed going to work and talking to the parents at the door and welcoming the little ones in."

Harwell, 76, was honored Sunday afternoon with a retirement reception at the church's fellowship hall where past students, parents and others joined in her celebration. Pastor Jake Bondurant presented Harwell with a plaque and announced that while it will still be called First B...