Four Retire From No. 7 Mine
March 2008  click photos for larger view

It's not everyday 116 years of experience retires at the same time but that's what happened on a beautiful spring day in March.  Co-workers, family and friends gathered at the Cypress Inn on the Black Warrior River to give a retirement farewell to Carolyn Mathews, Betty Meadows, Elizabeth Hollyhand and Grady Covin.
Carolyn Mathews (aka Mama Carolyn) started at No. 7 Mine in 1980 and stayed there her entire career with JWR.  "I think I have trained more Mine Managers than anyone else, and some of them twice," says Carolyn who was the secretary and all-around go-to person at No. 7 Mine.  "Each mine manager had a different style of management and I enjoyed all of my years there," she continues.  "I plan on enjoying life and doing more church activities during my retirement."
Betty Meadows started at the CMO in 1980 in the Accounts Payable Department and worked there two weeks before she went to No. 4 Mine.  "At No. 4 Mine I worked in Accounts Payable, Personnel and as a Secretary until I went to No. 7 Mine in 1998," says Betty.  "I worked in payroll there until my retirement."  Betty says she has been impressed by the closeness of people in the coal industry. "There were some tough times I witnessed during my career here," recalls Betty.  "I am still touched by the family atmosphere in times of crisis."  Betty says during her retirement she will enjoy her new pool, camp in her travel trailer and continue to go to church every Sunday.
Elizabeth Hollyhand spent almost all of her time at No. 5 Mine as Payroll Clerk.  "I started in 1979 and didn't move to No. 7 Mine until 2007," Elizabeth says.  "I have enjoyed working with everyone, they have been super nice to me.  It's was like a family at No. 5 Mine, I got to see everyone's children as they grew into adulthood."  Elizabeth says she will do some traveling with her sister, visit one of her sons in Boston and continue her hobbies of furniture refinishing, cross stitching and reading.
Grady Covin started work at No. 7 Mine in 1977 and retired as Prep Plant Coordinator.  "I worked on the Longwall and Sections before taking a job in the Prep Plant," Grady said.  "I have seen so much change in technology and safety during my career it's hard to believe."  What's more difficult to believe is during Grady's career and raising a family, he earned a degree in Finance from UAB and later a BA degree from Southeastern Bible College. His retirement plans include being the Pastor at Mountainview Church in Chelsea.  "The Lord called me to preach when I was 17," Grady says laughing, "But I didn't take Him up on it until I was 40."