Longtime Southeast Missourian employee retiring from Jackson office

Joy Baker will retire this Friday after 13 years in the Jackson office of the Southeast Missourian.

Co-workers will celebrate her work and friendship with a reception, but will miss her smile and positive attitude.

"People think of her as sunny," said Cathy Hancock, who has worked with Baker since she came on board in April 1997. "She's just a person with a very positive attitude that brightens anyone's day.

"It has been my privilege to work with Joy for the last 13 years, I couldn't have asked for a better co-worker and friend."

Before coming to the Southeast Missourian, Baker worked at General Sign in Cape Girardeau, the Cape Girardeau County mapping and appraisal office and LA Tucker Truck Lines in Cape Girardeau, where she met her late husband Dwight. The couple was married 31 years before he died Oct. 31, 2005.

Those who know her best said Baker's dedication to the company and customers is priceless.

"We're going to miss Joy, though we expect her to stop by our offices often," said Jon K. Rust, publisher of the newspaper. "She is just an extraordinary woman with an energy that never fails to lift the spirits of those she's with. We hope many of those who've worked with her over the years will join us to celebrate her time with the newspaper on Friday afternoon."

Editor Bob Miller, who worked in the Jackson office earlier this decade, echoed the thought.

"Joy is one of my favorite co-workers of all time," Miller said. "She was one of my best resources when I covered Jackson. She seems to know everyone in town, and she helped me out in so many ways, both professionally and personally. I can't thank her enough."

Though she'll miss working with customers and co-workers alike, Baker is looking forward to spending more time with her family, including Gracie Lou, her miniature schnauzer. She also hopes to continue to volunteer in the community, travel, read and sew.

"I enjoy my work here so much and all the people I interact with, that I am always amazed that I get paid at the end of the week on top of it," Baker said.

A reception for Baker is planned from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Friday at the Southeast Missourian office in Jackson, 104 S. Hope St.

bblackwell@semissourian.com

243-6635

Pertinent address:

104 S. Hope St., Jackson, MO

243-6635

Pertinent address:

104 S. Hope St., Jackson, MO