Retirewhat?

By WAYNE QUESENBERRY/Staff

At an age when most people have been retired for many years or are unable work, Geneva A. Poston is back on the job. The 82-year-old Wytheville resident is the general manager of the Travel Lodge of Wytheville.
“Why not?” she asked with a smile. “There’s no reason I can’t. I’m in good health. My kids are all grown and my youngest great-grandchild is 11. I’m out and I get to meet people. I can hardly wait to get up and come to work.”
Currently revamping the operation of the 64-unit motel next door to Cracker Barrel on Lithia Road, Poston works three full days a week. She supervises the 11 other employees and their schedules.
Poston also does payroll, pays bills, orders supplies and takes care of any problems that might arise in the day-to-day operation of the business. She’s been known to help with the cleaning and laundry.
“I’m not afraid of hard work,” Poston noted. “My girls’ father died when he was 37. I had to work. It’s hard to live on Social Security.”
She and her first husband, Kermit Goodson, have three daughters, Dixie G. King, Phyllis G. Porter and Vicki G. Chrisley. She married Farver Poston several years later and was widowed again in 1993.
After a stint sewing at a shirt factory, Poston decided there was a better way to make a living. She took classes at night school and learned typing, shorthand and business English.
Her business career began 45 years ago when Howard Johnson’s built a restaurant and motel on the very site where Poston now works. She began as a desk clerk and was promoted to manager after eight years.
“I made $25 a week at Howard Johnson’s,” Poston recalled.
While with the Howard Johnson’s chain for 25 years, she worked in Lynchburg, Farmville and White Plains, N.Y. Poston was later employed by the Comfort Inn and the Ramada Inn.
“I’ve always loved motel work,” she added.
Her return to the business was initiated by her daughter Phyllis who works for Travel Lodge owners Betty Morehead and Don Springman. Poston’s name was mentioned after the former manager left.
“The lady called me July 5 and I started work July 9,” Poston noted. “It thrilled me when she called. When I drove up this hill, it had been a long time.”
Despite the many changes in the physical appearance of the building, Poston feels at home. She enjoys working with the staff and meeting the customers.
Commenting on Poston’s work, Morehead stated, “She’s doing a fabulous job. She’s fantastic. Her past experience serves her well. We’re glad to have her as part of our company.”
Poston also is well known for her skills as a seamstress. She specializes in alterations.
“I’ll still do alterations,” Poston commented. “I can’t turn people down. Sewing is an art that’s becoming a thing of the past. It gives me something to occupy my mind. I’ve been sewing for 65 years.”
A member of St. Paul United Methodist Church in Wytheville, Poston belongs to the Bereavement Committee and the Wesleyan Circle. She also enjoys traveling.
“Life is a challenge,” Poston remarked. “I’m used to challenges.”
Wayne Quesenberry can be reached at 228-6611 or .