Melba Russell: The Longest-Serving Employee in Walgreens History
Melba Russell had to retire due to her hip problems, which her doctor said could only be healed by staying off her feet. Despite being 88 years old, she enjoyed helping unload trucks at Walgreens, and even did so a month before retiring in May 2023. She had been working for the company for 67 years, making her the longest-serving employee in Walgreens history.
Russell spent the last 25 years of her career at store #3013 on Elvis Presley Boulevard in Memphis, Tennessee, where she was an inventory specialist. Throughout her career, she worked at various stores and held different positions, including assistant store manager in Huntsville, Alabama. What kept her coming to work each day for 67 years were the people - customers, team members, and everyone else.
“I saw one of my customers at the grocery store the other day and she said, ‘Where have you been?’” said Russell through laughter. “And I said, ‘Well, I don't work there anymore. I retired!”
Melba Russell began her employment at Walgreens on January 30, 1956. Back then, many Walgreens stores had cafeterias, and her first job was taking orders at the cafeteria counter in a Walgreens store in the Memphis area. She has fond memories of that first role and particularly enjoyed the crowds that came in during conventions.
“We sold slices of strawberry pie for 35 cents,” she said. She even has a photo of herself next to the sign advertising that affordable treat.Russell also says she’s liked watching—and being a part of—the company grow to its nearly 9,000 store footprint nationwide.
“There weren’t too many Walgreens when I started, but then they started this program of building 12 stores a year. And that's when we got stores on every corner,” she said, recalling that she and her colleagues would help stock those stores’ shelves to prepare them for opening.
Melba Russell began her employment at Walgreens on January 30, 1956. Back then, many Walgreens stores had cafeterias, and her first job was taking orders at the cafeteria counter in a Walgreens store in the Memphis area. She has fond memories of that first role and particularly enjoyed the crowds that came in during conventions.
“That’ll make you get out and work more,” Russell says. “That’s the reason I hated to give up work but there comes a time when you have to make other plans.”
Melba Russell began her employment at Walgreens on January 30, 1956. Back then, many Walgreens stores had cafeterias, and her first job was taking orders at the cafeteria counter in a Walgreens store in the Memphis area. She has fond memories of that first role and particularly enjoyed the crowds that came in during conventions.
“I'm just gonna take it easy the rest of this year and see what comes next year. Hopefully a new body,” she says with a laugh.
Russell is set to celebrate her 89th birthday on August 9th. However, she believes that the key to a long life is not a secret at all.
“Take care of yourself. Money can’t buy health,” she said..
During her 67 years at Walgreens, Melba Russell not only took care of herself but also helped many others. A heartfelt thank you to Melba Russell.
Russell spent the last 25 years of her career at store #3013 on Elvis Presley Boulevard in Memphis, Tennessee, where she was an inventory specialist. Throughout her career, she worked at various stores and held different positions, including assistant store manager in Huntsville, Alabama. What kept her coming to work each day for 67 years were the people - customers, team members, and everyone else.
“I saw one of my customers at the grocery store the other day and she said, ‘Where have you been?’” said Russell through laughter. “And I said, ‘Well, I don't work there anymore. I retired!”
Melba Russell began her employment at Walgreens on January 30, 1956. Back then, many Walgreens stores had cafeterias, and her first job was taking orders at the cafeteria counter in a Walgreens store in the Memphis area. She has fond memories of that first role and particularly enjoyed the crowds that came in during conventions.
“We sold slices of strawberry pie for 35 cents,” she said. She even has a photo of herself next to the sign advertising that affordable treat.Russell also says she’s liked watching—and being a part of—the company grow to its nearly 9,000 store footprint nationwide.
“There weren’t too many Walgreens when I started, but then they started this program of building 12 stores a year. And that's when we got stores on every corner,” she said, recalling that she and her colleagues would help stock those stores’ shelves to prepare them for opening.
Melba Russell began her employment at Walgreens on January 30, 1956. Back then, many Walgreens stores had cafeterias, and her first job was taking orders at the cafeteria counter in a Walgreens store in the Memphis area. She has fond memories of that first role and particularly enjoyed the crowds that came in during conventions.
“That’ll make you get out and work more,” Russell says. “That’s the reason I hated to give up work but there comes a time when you have to make other plans.”
Melba Russell began her employment at Walgreens on January 30, 1956. Back then, many Walgreens stores had cafeterias, and her first job was taking orders at the cafeteria counter in a Walgreens store in the Memphis area. She has fond memories of that first role and particularly enjoyed the crowds that came in during conventions.
“I'm just gonna take it easy the rest of this year and see what comes next year. Hopefully a new body,” she says with a laugh.
Russell is set to celebrate her 89th birthday on August 9th. However, she believes that the key to a long life is not a secret at all.
“Take care of yourself. Money can’t buy health,” she said..
During her 67 years at Walgreens, Melba Russell not only took care of herself but also helped many others. A heartfelt thank you to Melba Russell.
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