DECATUR - Carolyn Mack delivered the mail as usual Friday morning to the reception desk at the Macon County Eye Center.

"I'm retiring, this is my last visit," she told Shelli Queary.

"I can't believe this," was the response. "You're here every morning at this time. Congratulations."

The last day started as usual at 7:30 a.m., when Mack reported to the Memorial Station post office. She would deliver to 230 locations in the Pershing Road and Oakland Avenue area, including about 2½ hours traveling on foot.

With 33 years of service, she became the first Decatur woman letter carrier to retire with full-time benefits. The retirement qualifications are 55 years of age and 30 years of service. For 25 years, she delivered on the Ravinia Park route.

What now?

"I'd like to travel," she said. "I want to keep active. You see, I've had multiple sclerosis since 1978. I never give up; I keep going."

The going overcame cold, wind and rain, 100-degree heat and pesky dogs.

It was cold and windy Friday on her last day.

"I put on lots of clothes," she said. "Some people give up when they are hit with multiple sclerosis. I'm here to prove you can keep functioning."

Born in Effingham, she graduated from Blue Mound High School. She has a husband, Marty, two sons, three stepsons and 13 grandchildren. She was a clerk, a waitress and worked a variety of jobs before turning to the U.S. Postal Service.

Ashley Scrogin, customer service supervisor at Memorial Station and Mack's boss, gives her a thumbs-up farewell: "She was a good employee."

Bob Fallstrom can be reached at bfallstrom@;herald-review.com or 421-7981.