By NEAL WAGNER / Managing Editor

ALABASTER – During her nearly 34-year tenure with the city of Alabaster, Marsha Massey has seen the city grow from a small rural town to the rapidly growing city it has become today. Through four mayors and numerous different City Councils, Massey’s presence has been a constant at City Hall throughout the years.

“The confidence that God and Mayor (Roger) Wheeler had in me gave me the strength to work hard and always try to do my very best to be fair and respectful to everyone,” Massey said during a Sept. 24 City Council meeting. “During my tenure of almost 34 years with the city, I have had the pleasure of serving four mayors and numerous council members. I have always tried to do my very best to help them be successful in their desires to serve our community.”

The Sept. 24 council meeting was Massey’s last as a city employee, and friends, family members and current and former city leaders made sure it was a memorable evening for the woman who has served Alabaster since 1985. Massey will retire as the city’s treasurer on Oct. 1.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve with her,” said Alabaster Mayor Marty Handlon. “She gave me great comfort with everything I did, as far as it being legal with every check I signed, and I can’t tell you how much that meant to me.”

During the council meeting, Handlon presented Massey with a key to the city and a proclamation honoring her decades of service as bookkeeper, city clerk, treasurer and other roles. After the presentation, Massey’s coworkers surprised her with gifts and a reception in the lobby of City Hall.

“I’d like to thank everyone for being here tonight, and say how very humbled I am,” Massey said. “When I look around the room, I see people who have had such an impact on my life and have assisted me in so many ways to accomplish such a long-standing career as a public servant for the people of the city of Alabaster.”

In addition to the elected officials she served with over the past 33 years, Massey also specifically thanked Dorothy Henry for mentoring her and Nancy Burns for working alongside her over the years.

“I had no idea that my future with the city would become not just a job or career, but my life for so many years. I have seen so much growth in our community over the last three decades, and I know there is still many great things ahead for our city,” she said. “Although I am sad to be leaving so many great coworkers and friends, this is a good decision for me and my family and I truly look forward to some downtime and traveling and enjoying life.”

City Council President Scott Brakefield said replacing Massey’s experience and expertise at City Hall will be a daunting task.

“There aren’t enough words to say how much you’ve meant to the city over the years,” Brakefield said. “Speaking from a council standpoint, I would just leave you with this: Job well done, and you have left a mark that is going to be incredibly difficult to fill.”