Photo by Mike Alzamora/Arp ISD

After spending exactly three decades as part of Arp ISD, payroll clerk Ellen "DeeDee" Wofford celebrated her retirement Friday.

The district's administration and staff showed their appreciation for her many years of service by holding a small ceremony at Arp High School's L.J. Johnsoncommons area.

Going into the 1991-92 school year, Ms. DeeDee was hired as a custodian at Arp ISD.

She explains that at the time, her daughter, who was in third grade at Arp Elementary asked her, "Will you still be there when I get to junior high?"

Six years later, she became part of the district's administration when she took over the position she held until this week.

As she reflects on her time as a Tiger, Wofford said, "I was blessed to watch my daughter and son go all the way through and graduate," from Arp High School.

Her son went all the way from Pre-K to graduation at Arp ISD.

Wofford now has four grandchildren that attend school at Arp.

As a payroll clerk, Wofford wore a number of hats, and assumed a number of responsibilities.

These included multiple human resources duties like insurance, workers compensation, absentees, and ultimately payroll.

The last of those of course meant, she made sure that every district employee got paid every month.

As part of the festivities, Arp ISD Superintendent Shannon Arrington presented Ms. DeeDee a plaque that read:

"You have been not only a co-worker, but a friend to many.  Through your hard work and dedication, you will be remembered as one of the greats."