Brenda Wallace and Barbara Fincher greet Elsie McGowan at her reception.

Hundreds gathered at the Pell City Civic Center Sunday to show their appreciation for Elsie McGowan as she retires.

McGowan worked 41 years in education and has been the director of the St. Clair County Head Start program since 1994.

“Elsie McGowan was born to teach,” Mayor Bill Hereford said. “I have never seen a better role model than Elsie McGowan.”

He welcomed everyone and said he wanted to encourage and honor McGowan for all of her hard work.

Jeffery Henderson, McGowan’s brother, said it was nice to have everyone come together, but he knew retirement would not be easy for his sister.

“She isn’t going to like retirement as much as she liked those kids,”

Henderson said.

McGowan’s friends, family and staff shared their reflections and presented

her with a memory book, plaque and portrait. Others shared their thanks through song.

LaCindra McGowan’s, McGowan’s daughter, performance of “Wind Beneath My Wings” brought guests to their feet and tears to many.

“I didn’t know my momma knew this many people,” LaCindra said.

Toward the end, Hereford declared July 18 in honor of McGowan, and he presented her with a key to the city.

The program was a fitting close to the many years and handwork McGowan gave to the education system and children. Her last day will be August 1.

“It’s not how many hours you put in,” McGowan said, “but how much you put in each hour.”