After an astounding 74 years, Melba Mebane, 90, has retired from Dillard's department store in Tyler, Texas. Her career began in 1949 at the Mayer & Schmidt department store, which later became a Dillard's. Starting as an "elevator girl," she quickly moved to men's clothing and then found her niche in cosmetics, where she remained for the rest of her career. Mebane's dedication was unparalleled; she never missed a day or called in sick.
Her exceptional customer service and sales skills left a lasting impact on colleagues and customers. James Saenz, the Tyler store manager, described Mebane as the embodiment of the store's values, praising her ability to mentor and inspire others. Her coworker of 33 years, Ginger Wimbs, admired Mebane's directness, talent for building rapport with clients, and ability to turn small sales into large ones. Wimbs emphasized Mebane's love for people and her genuine connections with customers, many of whom became close friends.
As a single mother, Mebane’s hard work and dedication provided for her son, Terry. He reminisced about his childhood, recalling trips to the store to spend time with his mother after she finished work. Terry also shared stories of his mother’s innovative sales techniques, like stepping out from behind the counter to connect with customers, which led to her becoming renowned among manufacturers who sent her complimentary products. Her generosity extended to sharing these gifts with friends and family.
Terry described his mother as a "grinder" who arrived early each day to prepare her counter. She took short lunch breaks to maximize her sales opportunities and maintained close relationships with corporate leadership, including the Dillard family. As she aged, the company accommodated her needs, allowing her to avoid night and Sunday shifts, a gesture Terry believes contributed to her longevity. Even into her 80s, she worked nearly 40 hours a week.
Recent health challenges and the changing retail landscape influenced Mebane's decision to retire. Dillard's celebrated her remarkable career with a party, presenting her with a "Beyond Excellence" award and a plaque displayed in the store. Her legacy of dedication, exceptional service, and unwavering work ethic will long be remembered by her colleagues, customers, and the Dillard's family.
