JOYCE POPLIN of Nebo retired from McDowell County Schools in 2017 where she taught and was a principal. Joyce has a daughter who is a community college instructor, and she and her husband have two children.

To Joyce, “NCRGEA is a great organization” and our newsletters are informative. “I like to keep up with current legislative actions and as a retired employee, I need to know someone is lobbying for the benefit of retired government employees.” The best thing about retirement is being able to help with her grandchildren, whether she is needed or not.

EMMA MYLES lives in Southport, NC, located in District 9.  Emma has two amazing adult sons, four grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Emma retired from the Brunswick County Library in 2008.  She enjoys collecting information every month from the NCRGEA.  In addition, she says she likes how the NCRGEA treats their members.  “They really care!”

Emma stated that the best thing about retirement is collecting her funds every month, being free to do volunteer work and helping others.   Additionally, she loves Trivia, Wheel of Fortune and lots of game shows.  She wants everyone to get the shot and mask up!

My name is JUDY WHITFIELD and I live with my husband of 48 years and have one adult daughter. I retired on September 30, 2021 from the City of Burlington as director of the Kernodle Senior Center. Being part of a group that recognizes local and state retired employees and works to improve the lives of those retired employees is why I like the NCRGEA.

When considering what is best about retirement, the main thing is that I am not a morning person so I enjoy sleeping in and there is no rush to have that hot cup of coffee when I do wake up. I have been able to join in on the things my previously retired friends are enjoying, such as playing cards, eating long lunches and planning trips.

Although I retired as director of the Kernodle Senior Center, I still love the participants, my co-workers, and the mission of the Senior Center to bring quality and quantity to lives of the senior adults. I go to the center for a few hours each week to help with our upcoming evaluation by the North Carolina Department of Aging and Adult Services to once again be named a Center of Excellence.

My advice for continuing to manage through the COVID environment is to get up and move – don’t sit around all day – wear your mask when in a crowd – read a good book – research things on the internet that you have wanted to learn but never had the time.

SHERRY GERALD BECK lives in Lexington, NC, located in District 3.  Sherry is married to David Beck and has two grown children, a daughter and son-in-law and 2 grandchildren.

Sherry retired in 2013 from South Davidson Middle School where she served as assistant principal.  She likes the fact that NCRGEA keeps retirees up to date on the legislature, promoting and protecting our benefits and the great work of our lobbyists.

Sherry stated that the best thing about retirement is staying active. She and her husband are members of the Thomasville Senior Club and participate in several groups who entertain at Senior Centers.  She was crowned Ms. Senior Davidson County in 2016.  She performs with the “Sassyfrazz” and “Seniors Spreading Sunshine” that perform for seniors throughout many counties. She is learning to clog, belly dance, sing, backup dance and how to play the ukulele.

Sherry’s advice to everyone regarding COVID is to treat this with seriousness.  She further advised that we should all go out and be active wherever possible while following CDC guidelines. She said, “Life should continue and not stand still!”

Sherry stated, “I am so excited about being the winner of the trivia game.   Everyone should complete trivia for a chance to win.  I am pleased to be a member of NCRGEA and have people concerned about my welfare.”

DR. DUDLEY FLOOD, 90, is an educational pioneer in North Carolina, serving as a teacher and administrator at the NC Department of Public Instruction for 21 years.  He helped to desegregate schools in the late 1960s and early 1970s, and was tapped with helping school districts across the state to integrate.  He impacted numerous lives in North Carolina by his lifelong work devoted to educational equity. 

In 2017, Dr. Flood was inducted into the Raleigh Hall of Fame, and in 2020, he was recognized for his commitment to educational excellence and received the 2020 Friday Medal from the Friday Institute, a part of the NC State College of Education.  Dr. Hiller Spires, dean in the NC State University College of Education stated, “Dr. Flood’s dedication to North Carolina education over the years is remarkable. We appreciate his courage to speak truth to power and work tirelessly to uplift teachers and children.”

Flood is a proud graduate of North Carolina Central University in 1954. Dr. Flood is a member of the NCRGEA.

PAULA K. STEWART was recognized and awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine for all her great work during her career for Harnett County and volunteer contributions. She retired in July 2021 as Harnett County Manager.

The Order of the Long Leaf Pine is the highest civilian award given by the governor of North Carolina.  Paula worked tirelessly during her career and continues to contribute to her community, currently serving as treasurer of the Angier Area Buddy Backpack and working part time as management consultant for Mid-Carolina Regional Council.  Paula lives in Angier, NC with her husband Del and they have 2 adult daughters.  She enjoys spending time with her family, traveling and reading.

BEN NEAL, a NCRGEA board member, resides in Clemmons. He retired as Rockingham County Assistant County Manager/Human Resources Director. While retired, he finds family time spent with grandchildren to be his favorite activity. Ben is pictured with Waynick, his almost constant companion.