BY ANDY TAYLOR
Montgomery County Chronicle

SYCAMORE — Tuesday was the end of a career for a long-time employee of the U.S. Postal Service in Montgomery County.

Edna “Jo” Mills officially retired as the Sycamore postmaster, ending a career that began 35 years ago in Sycamore.

She joined the U.S. Postal Service as a temporary employee in 1975 and maintained that position until 1980, when she became officer in charge of the Sycamore Post Office. She was appointed postmaster on March 21, 1981.

In her role as a postmaster, Mills has had to adjust to numerous changes. But no change was greater like the time the Sycamore Post Office and a neighboring grocery store caught fire in 1986. The post office — an icon in the Sycamore community — was moved to Mills’ home temporarily until a new post office could be erected. A new building was erected one year later on the site of the former post office . . . and Mills returned to her customary position as postmaster and civil servant.

Mills says she is leaving the Sycamore Post Office in good hands. Her daughter, Janice Vail, will serve as officer in charge until a new postmaster is appointed. Vail, who has been employed with the U.S. Postal Service for 28 years, says the Sycamore Post Office has been a second home of sorts as she was raised in that office and taught the ways of the U.S. Postal Service.

Mills also says she was looking forward to her retirement, which will include ample traveling to visit many family members.

“I plan to do some traveling with my sister,” she said. “I have nine brothers and sisters to go see, so I better get started. And, with all the grandchildren and great-grandchildren, I am sure I will be busy.”

A retirement reception was held in Mills’ honor on Tuesday afternoon in the Sycamore Post Office.