May 25, 2020
Linda Lavender Retires from Prince After 37 Years of Service
By Amy Frierson
After 37 years of service, administrative assistant Linda Lavender is retiring from Prince Avenue Christian School. Linda shares the distinction of the longest tenure of any employee in the school with her friend and former co-worker Phyllis Hale, who retired five years ago, also with 37 years of service.
In Prince Avenue Christian School’s 42-year history, there have been many changes. The school has grown from a fledgling church school to an accredited Christian school with thriving discipleship, academics, fine arts, and athletic programs. Linda Lavender has been present for almost all of the transformation and has played a vital role in the school’s growth over the years.
Linda began her work at PACS as a teacher’s aide but soon moved to an administrative assistant role in the front office. Her work eventually led to the role of Registrar where she served for most of her tenure at Prince laying the groundwork for the current Office of Admissions. In recent years, Linda has continued her work as an assistant in the Business Office. When asked about the roles she has fulfilled during her years at Prince, Linda explains, “Working somewhere for that many years, it’s hard to put into words all that you have seen and done.”
But Linda did not have any trouble putting into words what mattered most to her. “It was a joy to be able to go to work with my children every day and then to continue working there after they had graduated. The school was small enough when I started working there that I knew all the students in the school and most of the parents. I have watched many students grow up in Prince and now have seen their children attend Prince. I cannot say thank you enough to Prince for allowing me to work here for the last 37 years.”
Linda’s co-workers emphasize the significant impact that she has had on the school. Johnette Appleby remembers Linda as the first person she met when visiting Prince. “Linda shows love and grace in every part of her life. She loves being with her family and has more friends than anyone I know. It has been a blessing to work with her all these years. Her smiling face will truly be missed around Prince.”
Prince Director of Finance Ashley Young agrees that Linda’s departure will be felt deeply. “Linda is an inspiration for so many of us, and it has been a privilege to work alongside her these last few years. Her love for the Lord, our school, her family, and her friends is steadfast, and her positive attitude is infectious.”
In her retirement, Linda looks forward to spending more time with her family.