Atmore Nursing Center said goodbye to one of its own Friday afternoon, as nurse Dorothy “Dot” McAroy retired after 33 years with the nursing home.

“I started off working here in my 20s and didn’t really know what to expect,” McAroy said. “I thank you all for the opportunity to work here for so many years. Through it all, God helped me make it.”

McAroy’s co-workers treated her to a party and gifts, as well as countless hugs.

“You have taken advantage of this opportunity,” said Marcella Wilson, director of nursing service for ANC. “You have taken care of our residents and worked hard, and you have earned your retirement.”

ANC Administrator Cindy Lee said that McAroy began working at ANC in 1982. She and her husband, the Rev. Tony McAroy, will be traveling to Kenya soon for a mission trip at a new church they helped build. The McAroys serve as pastor and first lady at Full of Life Ministries in Atmore.

“When you go across that ocean and you’re bringing the gospel to those people, you’ll be making a difference,” Wilson said. “Just like you made a difference to our patients and employees here.”

Lee said that McAroy was “a great example” of a godly woman, as well as a fantastic employee.

“I just want to thank you for being a great example,” she said. “A great example of an LPN, a great example of a woman, and a great example of a Christian.”