By By RANDI K. PICKLEY / Niles Daily Star
NILES - Myrna Hunt is a familiar face to residents of Niles. They see her energetic smile when they register to vote or apply for a license.
Hunt works for the Secretary of State at the license bureau at 110 E. Main St. in downtown Niles. She has been there for 27 years as a part time employee and, since 1988, has worked there full-time.
According to Hunt, the remodeling has paid off for the customers. "There are no lines to wait in under the new system. Our customers don't experience as many problems. We can issue driver's records on the spot now, and tell you how many points you have.
As for her job, Hunt said, "I register anything that has a motor."
Hunt considers herself a people person and her enthusiasm is contagious. She said she wouldn't want to wait in line, then get someone at the counter who is all business with no personality. She makes sure each customer gets help in a friendly manner.
"I've enjoyed working for the state of Michigan. I love meeting people. That's the part I'm going to miss so much," Hunt said.
On Thursday, Hunt will retire from her position at the bureau. But that doesn't mean she plans to retire from her many interests.
Music is a passion in Hunt's life and she intends to fill her free time with it. Since she was 14, she has played piano for churches, beginning with Franklin AME on Sycamore in Niles. When she was in high school, she played for services at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church on Ferry Street. Lately, she has played both piano and organ at the Philadelphia Seventh Day Adventist Church on Broadway in Niles.
Once retired, Hunt wants to volunteer at the "Chat Center," an organization that works with troubled children. "I want to teach music and give the kids free piano lessons," she said. Hunt also wants to volunteer in pregnancy care.
Before working for the Secretary of State, Hunt attended Oakwood College in Huntsville, Ala. and Andrews University in Berrien Springs. She has been a resident of Niles since she was two years old.
Hunt's husband, Delbert, has taught at Ring Lardner since 1969, and teaches seventh grade history at present. Her son, Todd and his wife, Swehla (which means "Sweet Thing" in the Swahili dialect according to Hunt), live in Omaha, Neb.