During the May 4 BCC meeting, the board and county staff celebrated Evelyn Rancifer’s retirement after 49 years of service. She retires as an Accounting Specialist with the Escambia County Engineering Department.
Evelyn’s employment with Escambia County began on Aug. 6, 1973, as a Clerk Typist in Record Indexing at the Escambia County Comptroller’s Office. She was quickly promoted to recording, then to accounts payable. She transferred to the Engineering department in 1998 and served for over 20 years with various job duties. In the same time frame, she also worked at the Pensacola Bay Center (then the Pensacola Civic Center) as an usher, a ticket-taker and a supervisor.
As Accounting Specialist for Engineering, she has diligently supported the day-to-day operations of Engineering and other departments at the Central Office Complex by overseeing accounts payable. By focusing her attention on the details of invoices before sending them for payment, she has caught errors and saved the county significant sums of money over the years.
Over her tenure with the county, Evelyn has received multiple Employee of the Month awards and was named Employee of the Year in 2001. She is admired by co-workers and friends throughout county departments and has been commended for her professional and personal dedication, her outstanding work ethic, and her willingness to lend assistance to all who are in need. A wise woman, the epitome of grace and decorum, her counsel sought by young and old alike, and with all her irrepressible optimism, cheerfulness, and friendliness, Evelyn created a unique atmosphere that will be difficult to replace in the Engineering department.
“What an honor to celebrate a woman I have looked up to my entire life,” said Escambia County District 3 Commissioner and Chairman Lumon May. “Evelyn’s impact on my life and the life of others will never be forgotten. Evelyn is the true epitome of a public servant, and Escambia County was blessed to have her for so many years. Evelyn, we wish you the best in your retirement and thank you for your dedicated service to our community.”
“We will sorely miss Evelyn,” said Escambia County Director of Engineering and County Engineer Joy Blackmon, P.E. “She is our longest-tenured county employee of nearly 50 years! We are so grateful to have served alongside her. While her work ethic is beyond reproach and her ability is phenomenal, she brings a sparkle to every day with her sweet nature and playful sense of humor. We love you, Evelyn! Enjoy your retirement!”
Evelyn retired for the first time on Aug. 1, 2008, with 35 years of service, before returning to her position for almost 15 more years. Her second and final retirement is marked on her 73rd birthday.
If you haven’t met Evelyn, you should. We, her former co-workers,already miss seeing her at work – but we’re all so.proud to say we know her, and can count her as a friend. Enjoy your retirement, Evelyn!