Bank of Holly Springs
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Lynn Shaw (left) and Betty Byrd reminisce about the years they have worked together at the tax collector’s office as Byrd presents Shaw a retirement plaque.

Shaw honored at tax office

The afternoon of Friday, June 28, was set aside for a boardroom reception for Lynn Joyner Shaw, who at 33 years with the Marshall County tax office, is throwing in the towel.

There was an emotional outpouring of gratitude shared by Shaw and tax collector Betty Byrd. The two have been best friends since eighth grade.

“I’ve learned a lot,” said Shaw. “I’ve seen a lot. It’s been a good ride. I’m going to miss everybody – coworkers, customers and other county employees. They’ve all been good.

“I’ve seen a lot of changes from writing tag receipts by hand to everything done on the computer. The computer makes it a lot easier. It was hard work when you had to do it manually.

“About handwriting receipts at the courthouse, I had a battery, hand-operated computer writing receipts in the courthouse window. The power had gone out. That’s how far it’s come.

“I am going to miss them all, especially this one over here (as she points to Byrd). We’ve been together since eighth grade. She’s helped me through some trials and tribulations and I’ve done the same for her.”

“We’ve been through a lot together,” Byrd said.

“Lynn’s been here so long she’s like a fixture. She’s probably waited on everybody in Marshall County at one time or other. She’s gone above and beyond. There is a wealth of knowledge walking out that door. Marshall County is losing a good one.”

Shaw said Byrd put a bug in Bobby Fant’s ear for her 33 years ago. Fant served the county as tax collector and assessor for 17 years.

“I would have missed an opportunity,” Shaw said.

She started out taking homestead exemption applications.

“I said, ‘I don’t know if I am going to be able to do this job or not,’ ” Shaw said. “I’m leaving it in good hands. They’ll be OK.”

“We are truly a family over here,” Byrd said. “We all love and care about each other. I’ve been here 37 years. That’s a lifetime. I wouldn’t trade one minute of it (for the world).”

Byrd has 15 years in office as tax collector.

Holly Springs South Reporter

P.O. Box 278
Holly Springs, MS 38635
PH: (662) 252-4261
FAX: (662) 252-3388
www.southreporter.com