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By SCOTT MIMS / Staff Writer 

MONTEVALLO — Debra Payne is a familiar face to anyone frequenting Regions Bank’s Montevallo branch. Now, after 28 years of serving the community, she is taking her exit on the road to retirement.

“It has been a great experience working for Regions,” Payne told her coworkers Thursday, Feb. 6 during a retirement reception held at the branch. “I’m going to miss seeing you all because you’re like family to me.”

Payne started out as a teller and moved up to customer service representative, assistant manager and finally team lead. During her time at Regions, she had opportunities to leave and run her own branch, but she loved the town and her job so much that she decided to stay on.

“She’s been a great asset to our company, our community and our customers,” said Branch Manager Ken Jones, who worked with Payne for 26 of her 28 years at the Montevallo branch. During the reception, Jones hugged Payne and thanked her for her years of dedicated service.

“I like being in Montevallo,” Payne added. “I like working with Ken. He’s a super guy to work for.”

During her tenure Payne waited on customers and their children, and shared in their times of happiness and loss. She said that’s what made the job such a good fit for her.

“I’m a people person and I enjoy people, and I’m really going to miss my customers. It has truly been a relationship type job where I’ve been able to be a part of people’s lives, and they’ve been a part of mine,” Payne said.

Payne plans on doing some camping, traveling and attending her grandchildren’s events such as softball and pageants. She has one adult daughter and three granddaughters.

Thursday’s reception was attended by not only coworkers but also family members and customers who knew Payne well.

“She was the best. She was very effective and also had very good people skills. She will be missed,” said Ed Robertson.