by Kent Jennings Brockwell
Staff Writer
“Marlene, you finally got parole!”
That was the sentiment from one attendee at Marlene Hayes’ retirement party last week at the Duval County Courthouse. Hayes is an information resource manager at the courthouse and after 32 years of service has decided to retire.
More than 60 friends, family members and co-workers attended the fare-thee-well party including three of her now-former bosses, state attorney Harry Shorstein and former state attorneys Donald Nichols and Mayor Ed Austin.
Many people spoke about Hayes’ career during a short ceremony preceding the party. Though most recalled humorous accolades of Hayes’ career, all of the stories emphasized the importance of her position and her many years of work.
“If she had told me she was going to retire when I was state attorney, I would have terminated my own career,” said Austin, who worked with Hayes from 1974 until 1991.
Another long-time co-worker and friend, Becky Bowen, also gave a telling remark about Hayes’ work.
“She has been the foundation of our office, a confidant to us all and we will all surely miss her,” Bowen said.
From the age of carbon paper to today’s Blackberry devices, Hayes said she has seen a lot of changes during her time at the courthouse but said she is finally ready to relax.
Now officially retired, Hayes, who was also known around the office as “Sergeant” or “The Drill Instructor” for her work ethic, said she is going to spend her time visiting relatives and “mostly having fun.”