Grady finds fulfillment in her job

By Steve Swogetinsky

The Kemper Messenger

Ask Mary Grady what she does at the Wells Lamont glove plant here and she will tell you, "everything."

It's true. The lifelong Kemper County resident is a utility employee at the Philadelphia plant and has the expertise to work at any station when she is needed.

"Everyday when I come in, I never know where I will be working," Grady said. "I may be sewing, inspecting, or making yarn on the machine. I do what they ask me to do."

On July 30, Grady will have been employed at the plant for 36 years. She works Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m. She is never late and rarely misses a day of work.

"If I'm not here, they know it is for a good reason," Grady said. "I believe in being on time. If you love your job, you are going to dedicate yourself to it, and I love my job."

On Tuesday, it was announced she was named the plant's employee of the month for April.

"It is an honor," Grady said. "It means a lot to me and makes me feel good about the job I do here. I was sort of surprised, but I had a feeling I might get it."

Grady is from Kemper County and lives in DeKalb. She is a graduate of West Kemper High School. She has two sons who are in the fourth grade.

She has only had one other job prior to coming to Wells Lamont. It was at a glove making plant in Kemper County.

Currently, Grady works two jobs. Some days when she gets off at Well Lamont, she goes to her second job at Lowe's and works until close.

And when she isn't at work, she is active in her church, Belmount Missionary Baptist Church.

"I am very dedicated to my church,' Grady said. "I am a choir director. I am president of the usher board and the pastor's aid and the kitchen."

When she is at home, she likes to grow flowers in her yard.

Plant manager Justin Clearman said Grady is a valuable employee.

"Mary is one of our utility workers," Clearman said. "She can do anything. She can work in any department and operate any machinery we have. If somebody is out, she can do it. We really appreciate her work.