Crumbley retires after 40 years

By LISA CHAPMAN / Staff Reporter for the Southern Standard

Collene Crumbley has spent 40 years helping the residents at McMinnville Housing Authority. Today is her last day on the job before she officially retires as resident supervisor. (Lisa Chapman photo)

After 40 years at McMinnville Housing Authority, Collene Crumbley has retired and her last day at work is today.

“I just think it’s time for me to move on,” said Crumbley. “I’m ready to retire.”

Crumbley was the resident supervisor for MHA. Among other things, she was in charge of tenant selection, processing, leasing and any income changes.

“Collene also handled most of the complaints by tenants,” said executive director Patricia Basham. “Everyone loved her. We are going to miss her.”

In a time when it’s common for people to change jobs frequently, Crumbley says it’s the people who made her job worthwhile.

“It’s going to be really hard to leave,” said Crumbley. “Everyone here is like my extended family. I know I’m going to miss them so much. I love to encourage people to do something like work or school to make life better. I’m going to miss that part of my job.”

With her last day on the job coming today, Crumbley knows it’s not what you do with your life that’s important, but how you live it.

“Laugh at yourself,” said Crumbley. “Everyone else will. That’s what I tell people. We always laugh around here. Some people probably thought we had hysteria but laughing gets you through tough times.”