Sheila marks her 26th year of smiles at Big O’s

‘It’s a blessing working here’- Sheila Marlow of Big O’s Valley

By Jim Freeman

LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF)- It was a little concerning when I called Big O’s early Wednesday morning to ask about their special for the day. Chris (Brooks) answered the phone and told me they didn’t have a special. In the background, I heard Carla (Evans) say “did you tell him about Sheila?” After a blink of concern, Chris said “today’s Sheila’s anniversary here.” April 15th marked 26 years for Sheila Marlow behind the cash register at Big O’s Valley.

The fun news prompted a special trip for me to Big O’s, earlier than usual for a Wednesday. Marlow pointed to the coffee machine and told me that right over there is where I met Odus Mundy and had my interview. “Then I was hired, and I’ve been here ever since,” said Sheila. A lay off at her job prompted the search for employment leading her to Big O’s.

“I’ve been coming here since I was eight years old. I grew up just right over there, pointing toward the area of McCarty Road,” said customer Cody Nelson. Nelson describes Sheila as a very greeting person and that Big O’s couldn’t ask for a better person to work with the public.

“It’s been a blessing working with Sheila. She creates a really nice atmosphere here. She loves everyone, and everyone loves her. Sheila is a very patient person,” said co-worker Chris Brooks.

“She’s an all around nice person, kind to everyone. I even attend church with her at Victory (Baptist Church),” said Benny Bailey, who has been a Big O’s customer for more than 20 years.

“I’ve worked with her for nine years, and she’s awesome. She’s so dependable,” said Carla Evans, co-worker.

“She texts me a “good morning” everyday and says she’s praying for me,” said Tammie Miller. Miller, a regular customer, also attends church with Sheila and calls her an honest and dependable person.

And of these 26 years, Sheila sums it up quickly. “It’s been a blessing.” (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-04/16/2026-6AM-PHOTOS COURTESY OF WLAF’S CHARLIE HUTSON)