Glass employee retires after nearly 57 years

JoAnn Ware Smith of Lincolnton, Ga., has traveled 80 miles round-trip each day to work for 50 years. That's about a million miles.

Some days she carpooled, but most of the time she drove her own car. She has been through six vehicles.

After nearly 57 years of service, the office manager at Glass Service Center of Augusta Inc. is retiring June 30 to travel, spend time with family and volunteer at her church.

"I've worked in the glass business all my life. It's something different every day," said Mrs. Smith, 74.

She was 17 when she started her career at PPG Industries, a chain-operated glass company at 1371 Broad St. that later moved to 1230 Reynolds St. In 1978, Buddy Ivey bought the business and changed the name to Glass Service Center of Augusta Inc.

Two years ago, Mr. Ivey retired and turned the business over to his son, Chip. The company completes installation jobs for mostly commercial clients, such as the Augusta-Richmond County Public Library, Doctors Hospital and local schools.

Mrs. Smith was the only office employee when Mr. Ivey bought the company. She said she has "worked from the cellar to the attic," doing jobs from ordering materials to sweeping floors.

"She's meant everything to the business," said secretary Debbie Ryan, who has worked with Mrs. Smith for 25 years. "She's been a very dedicated employee. It's just been great. She's an excellent boss. She's a wonderful person. Everybody loves her."

Mrs. Smith graduated from high school at 16 and enrolled in Hearst Business College in Augusta, where she received clerical training and graduated in 1952. The glass company was her first job out of school.

"I'll miss dealing with all the people. I've made lots of friends. It's just been my life. It will be a big adjustment, but it's time I got off the road," she said.

Reach LaTina Emerson at (706) 823-3227 or latina.emerson@augustachronicle.com.