Just shy of a half-century on the job, Brenda Cantrell is saying farewell to FirstBank and hello to retirement.

She began in the banking business right out of high school 48 years ago, going to work for First National which is now Regions before moving in 1971 to Citizens Bank, which is now FirstBank. She came up through the ranks, starting out in bookkeeping and then to teller. She then did drive-thru service and cashier duties and was promoted to assistant branch manager. She received her last promotion 14 years ago when she was named branch manager.

Cantrell said one of the more rewarding things about working at FirstBank is her customers. “I’ve got some longtime customers,” she said. “That’s probably what I’ll miss the most, getting to see the public.”

While retiring, Cantrell will stay busy as she is very active in Rotary and her church, Elizabeth Chapel Baptist along with non-profits, helping with God’s Pantry and the Senior Citizen’s Board. She will also spend time with her grandchildren.

There will be a retirement party for Brenda, held from 2 to 4 p.m. at the bank, Friday, Jan. 11. The public is invited.

“We will have refreshments and probably shed a few tears,” Cantrell said of the farewell party.

Prior to her time in banking, Cantrell worked in grocery as her parents owned Wright’s Grocery.

“I probably started working at the store when I was just eight,” she recalled, noting she had a background in grocery thanks to her family business even before she began her banking career.