Sheila of Big O’s Valley is on her second hundred thousand smiles

‘She’s the best. I stand by it’- Mike Wilson, Big O’s Valley regular

Sheila at Big O’s figured out a blink too late that Charlie Hutson was in the house snapping photos.

By Jim Freeman

LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF) – Friday marks 24 years at Big O’s Valley for Sheila. She’ll enjoy the day off tomorrow meaning that today is the day to pass along congratulations.

“She’s always friendly and so good natured,” said construction worker and Big O’s regular for 20-plus years John Womble of Stinking Creek.

Retired carpenter Mike Wilson from Flat Hollow, whom Sheila calls by name, stops at Big O’s a couple of times every week. “Odus (Mundy) owner of Big O’s, and I grew up together. He’s needs more Sheilas,” said Wilson.

Sheila knows most all her customers by name including Mike Wilson from Flat Hollow.

Co-worker James Walker made special effort to make sure we knew how much Sheila has helped him with his faith in God. “I’ve been here with her the better part of three years. Her faith is strong. She helps out a lot when it comes to that,” said Walker.

“I’ve been here with her the better part of three years. Her faith is strong. She helps out a lot when it comes to that,” said James Walker, co-worker of Sheila’s at Big O’s.

Sheila passes out “good mornings” like Big O’s pours cups of coffee, and every customer also leaves with a “you have a good day” wish.

At 4:45am is when Sheila arrives each day at Big O’s. That’s generally Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

“Alright Dennis. Fifty-three, Bud,” said Sheila as Dennis Turner had a fill up of BP fuel at Big O’s.

Talking, totaling, Sheila’s your classic multi-tasker.

Big O’s Valley’s been open for about 40 years, and Sheila is by far the longest current tenured employee. “I’d love to have 10 more just like her,” said Chris Busby, Big O’s General Manager.

Evan Cordell from La Follette stops in at Big O’s about every day. He’s generally on his way to work, and a Big O’s stop is part of his routine. “She’s a really good person, and I’ve been coming in here for more than 20 years,” said Cordell.

The morning crew on Tuesday was comprised of Pepper Draughn, Sheila and James Walker.

Congratulations on the start of your 25th year, Sheila. Sheila Marlow that is just for the record. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 04/11/2024-6AM-PHOTOS COURTESY OF WLAF’S CHARLIE HUTSON)