Columbiana County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board Chief Financial Officer Delores Bailey, known as Dee, poses with CCMHRSB Executive Director Lori Colian, right, to celebrate her retirement at age 94 after 55 years service to the citizens. A retirement reception will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. today at the CCMHRSB office, Vista Drive, Lisbon, with her last day Jan. 30. (Photo by Mary Ann Greier)

LISBON — Delores Bailey, affectionately known as Dee, said she feels blessed that she was able to keep working the past 55 years for the Columbiana County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board.

“I think this job has helped me stay healthy,” the 94-year-old Canfield resident said.

That longevity, unwavering work ethic and dedication to service will be celebrated from 1 to 4 p.m. today as she retires from her duties as chief financial officer effective Jan. 30.

“It’s time,” she said.

Bailey’s been part of the board since the beginning, starting in 1970 after the late Don Roberts hired her as officer manager, jack-of-all trades, for the Columbiana County Mental Health Clinic. She moved to this area from Pennsylvania in 1965 and spent five years working for the Adult Mental Health Clinic in Youngstown, before being convinced to apply in Columbiana County by some therapists she knew who worked in both counties.

The mental health clinic at that time was located in a little house near the Lepper Library in Lisbon.

“We were really small and had a small therapy staff,” she said.

The state of Ohio recognized the Columbiana County operation with Don Roberts in 1970, with the board established and headquartered within the mental health clinic at that house on Lincoln Way. She handled the books for both the board and the clinic. Then in 1980, Don’s dream of a larger facility came to being when the Counseling Center of Columbiana County opened on state Route 154, Lisbon. The board was there also, even after the board and counseling center separated on June 16, 1998. In May 2005, the board moved from the counseling center to its current office at 27 Vista Drive, Lisbon.

Bailey said her coworkers have been like family to her. She’s worked for five executive directors, starting with Roberts, then Patricia Baumgarner, Kathie Chaffee, Marcy Patton and now Lori Colian.

“I’ve had really good bosses, every one of them. I respect them,” she said. “I come away with a lot of fond memories.”

She’s kept in touch with some of her former co-workers, such as Pat and Kathie and Patty Wagner, and said that’s really nice.

Over the years, she’s seen a lot of changes, from working with pencil and paper to working on computers, moving from a small house to a large facility and lots of changes at the state level. Even the name has changed since the beginning. She’s watched a lot of people retire. Now it’s her turn.

Bailey plans to curl up with some good books, saying she’s going to do some reading. Mystery novels are her preference, including thrillers by authors such as Patricia Cornwell and John Grisham. She’s the last of her siblings, growing up in Pennsylvania. Her father passed when she was a baby. Her stepfather worked in a plant and her mother was a stay-at-home mom. A high school graduate, she previously worked as a school secretary while in her home state. Her husband, Bill, passed when she was just 58 years old. They had three children and now she has four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Dependable could describe one of her many attributes when it comes to work. Colian said she has a lot of institutional knowledge and no one can fill that role.

“She will be deeply missed. I appreciate everything she’s taught me in my short time here,” Colian said.

The Columbiana County commissioners approved a proclamation Wednesday to extend their appreciation for what they called her “extraordinary and historic tenure of service to the citizens of Columbiana County.”

“Delores Bailey has dedicated an unparalleled 55 years to the Columbiana County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board, demonstrating a level of professional longevity and steadfast loyalty that serves as a beacon of inspiration to all public servants,” the proclamation said.

The commissioners noted that she reports to work full-time every day and proves that “passion for one’s community knows no age and that a life of purpose is the greatest driver of vitality.” They recognized what they called “her tireless work ethic, sharp mind and unwavering commitment.”

They thanked her for her “service above self” and wished her a fulfilling retirement.

“I feel just blessed that I was able to work for a board that has helped so many people in this county,” Bailey said.

She attributed her longevity to the job, saying “it gives me purpose.”