After decades of public service, Columbia City Clerk Donna McKenzie retired last week.
City Hall was crowded June 28 as well wishers honored the longtime public servant.
“Today is a bittersweet day,” she said. “I’ve worked with the public since 1990 when I began in the 911 addressing department. I’ve had some ups and downs in my career, but I hope I have been of some help in some way.”
Deputy Clerk Maria Temples will take over the role, according to Mayor Justin McKenzie.
“She’s been training for some time and doing a fabulous job,” he said. “She will have a busy time ahead of her. We know she’s going to do a fine job and we look forward to a bright future with you.”
Mayor McKenzie spoke about his mother’s service to the community.
“It’s a little tougher on me than anyone else who works here because of the attachment,” he said. “It’s a special day. Our city clerk has chosen to retire after 28 years of service to the citizens of Marion County and the city of Columbia. She spend the last 12 with the city and 11 of those were as city clerk. She has carried a lot of weight on her shoulders. When she started, there were nine people in the office. Now there are five.”
Mayor McKenzie presented her with a plaque that reads, “Congratulations to Donna McKenzie. Thank you for your 12 years of distinguished and dedicated service to the city of Columbia. Best wishes on your retirement, we will miss you. Presented by your City Hall family, June 28, 2018.”
Donna McKenzie has worked for four mayors during her tenure.
“They always said that she is the glue that held things together,” Mayor McKenzie said. “She’s proven that over the last few months to me. She is the go-to person in this town.”
City employees also chipped in to purchase a rocking chair, which she said will be used on her porch.
She wiped tears from her eyes as she was given a card signed by her fellow city employees.
Later she said she would miss the work.
“When God closes one door, he will open another,” she said. “We have some good people at City Hall and the workers in the field are awesome. Do like I plan to do. If you see something that needs attention, let them know.”
As for future plans, Donna McKenzie has a few.
“I plan to do a little volunteering myself,” she said. “God bless and remember the people who are not as blessed as we are and remember the elderly and sick. They need our help and prayers. I love our little town and county.”
Pictured Above: Columbia Mayor Justin McKenzie presents a rocking chair to retiring City Clerk Donna McKenzie, his mother, during a reception June 28 at City Hall. | Photo by Mark Rogers
