GREENE – Yesterday was the first Monday in more than three decades – with the exception of vacations – that Suzanne Jones didn’t go to work at the Village of Greene. The long-time village clerk/treasurer retired on Friday, after serving the municipality for 31 years.

“She’s done a fantastic job for us,” said Mayor Marcia Miller, who used words like “compassionate,” “dedicated,” “knowledgeable” and “caring” to describe the woman she says has become a close friend to her during the 21 years they have worked together.

Jones began working for the village in 1979 as deputy clerk/treasurer. In 1990, she was appointed to the village clerk/treasurer position. During her tenure she has served under five mayors, taken minutes at some 388 board meetings and worked more than 64,480 hours on the clock.

According to those who have had the privilege of working with her, including Miller, Jones has left an indelible mark on the village and big shoes for her successor to fill.

“I certainly wish her the best,” stated Village Police Chief Steve Dutcher, who said he has “thoroughly enjoyed” working with Jones over the past 7 1/2 years. “She’ll definitely be greatly missed.”

Both Deputy Clerk/Treasurer Teresa Thurston and Deputy Clerk Pamela Thorn were emotional last week, as they worked along Jones in her final days before her retirement.

“I’ve always looked up to her,” said a teary Thurston, who described Jones as her mentor. On a personal level, she added, she had also been there for every important milestone in her life throughout the 26 years they worked together.

Thorn, who has worked under Jones for 11 years, echoed Thurston’s sentiments.

“She’s not just a boss; she’s a friend,” she explained, adding that the longtime village clerk’s retirement still felt “unreal” to her, even though they have had several months to adjust to the idea.

Jones officially informed the board of her intention to retire in January, but said she had first broached the topic with them three years ago.