By Marlee Jackson

Words matter to Wendy Golson.

That’s one reason she labored over remarks for her retirement celebration from Alabama Farmers Federation and Alfa Insurance, landing on a line from the Good Book.

“As you work, remember Colossians 3:23, ‘Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,’” Golson quoted to a reception room full of farmers, friends, family and coworkers. “Your workplace is like a mission field. Your excellence is your testimony. Don’t just work for a paycheck; work for the King, serving with kindness. Your integrity at work speaks louder than any sermon.”

Her heartfelt speech was fitting for one who exemplified those deep-seated beliefs during a career of service. She retired as executive secretary to Federation and Alfa President Jimmy Parnell Feb. 27.

“It’s easy to work with folks you love,” Parnell said. “It was a package deal. Wendy loved me and my family, and we loved her.”

Though she’s called the River Region home for nearly 40 years, Golson’s roots are tinged Tarheel blue.

A Raleigh native who graduated from the University of North Carolina, Golson’s early career focused on human resources. She moved to Alabama and joined the Alfa family in 1987, a job that tapped into her love of organization and service — and resulted in an unexpected blessing.

“People called me all the time to talk about their employee benefits,” Golson remembered. “Carol Golsan called and asked to see me one day. When she got to my office, she said, ‘My husband has this cousin….’ Roger and I married the next year.”

Golson departed Alfa in ‘97 to spend more time with sons Zach and Matt, then transitioned to teaching English at their school, Autauga Academy.

There, seeds for future growth were sown when Golson met Jimmy and Robin Parnell while teaching their son.

The hand of God, with the help of good friends, guided Golson back to Alfa and the Federation in 2012. She served as Governmental & Agricultural Programs Department administrative assistant before moving to the front office to work for Parnell, who had been elected president of Alfa and the Federation a year earlier.

Golson thrived behind the scenes, from managing Parnell’s carefully coded calendar and typing meticulous meeting minutes to supporting farmer-leaders from all corners of Alabama.

Brimming with laughter but shying from the spotlight, Golson is well-known for spinning a yarn, often sharing stories about her sons, daughters-in-love and six grandchildren.

Golson’s gift of gab and Parnell’s attentive ear led to a special trust with each other.

“Working for Jimmy Parnell was a pleasure,” Golson said. “He is a man of integrity, honesty and fairness; he is a good listener, a good mentor and a positive influence on those around him. His leadership will leave a lasting impact at Alfa for years to come, and I’m thankful I worked for someone who became a good friend.”

Golson says her retirement plans are decidedly not grandiose, likely consisting of spending more time with family, crafting photo books, researching genealogy and, perhaps, penning a children’s book.

She and Roger laugh as they share their plans to visit all county seats in Alabama, an homage of sorts to the men and women they’ve met through the Federation.

“The opportunity to develop relationships and work with the most wonderful, dedicated people from the home office to farms in all 67 counties was the most rewarding aspect of my job,” Golson said. “The daily interaction with my Alfa family is what I will miss most.”