By Terry Witt – Spotlight Senior Reporter

                The longest-serving current member of the Levy County Commission and the first woman to ever serve on the board, Lilly Rooks, formally announced her retirement at Tuesday’s board meeting.

            “I don’t plan to run again. I am retiring,” Rooks said.

            Her final term of office will end in November this year.

            Rooks said she began working in county government as an Emergency Medical Technician volunteer for the ambulance service. She also worked for the Levy County Sheriff’s Office.

            She was elected to the Levy County Commission in 1990.

            “I got fired twice by the people,” she said. “They hired me back.  I have 24 years as a county commissioner. I think it’s time for me to back up and step away.”

            Rooks said candidates have announced their plans to run for her seat. She asked residents to check them out, talk to them, and pick out the candidate person they want to serve on the board.

            She thanked all the department heads and employees for the wonderful job they have done, and for working with her.

            “When I called, you got right on it, got the answer. Sometimes I didn’t like what you told me. We talked about it; we came to an agreement; sometimes it was in my favor. I appreciate all that you do,” Rooks said. “People don’t realize how many times I call you at home. I’m sure the other commissioners call you at home. If I see you in public, I’m bending your ear and I appreciate you all taking the time to work with me because, in the beginning, it wasn’t that way.”

            “It was hard coming in and being the only woman, the first one ever to be elected to the Board of County Commissioners. I had to learn the ropes. I had some really good teachers,” she said.

            She remembered the late County Commissioner Donald Holmes and how she learned how to read him during board meetings. Back in the day, Holmes was considered the Dean of the County Commission, having served the longest.

            “Donald Holmes – I learned that when he sat back and crossed his arms like this, he was saying this is my opinion and my opinion only and I had better listen. He was trying to tell me something. Sometimes I didn’t,” she said. “Then we had Wilbur Dean (now county coordinator). He gave me a hard time. He caused me to wear our three rocking chairs in four years, but he has done a good job and I appreciate my board.”

            “Learned a lot from you,” responded Commissioner John Meeks.

            “You see all these gray hairs you have given me,” Rooks responded. “I didn’t have this to begin with.”

            “That was a long time ago. You have been doing this for a long time,” Meeks said.

            “Yeah, but, in 2014 my hair was brown,” she responded.

            “That’s your secret. We won’t tell,” Meeks said, smiling at Rooks.

            “I do appreciate it. I know the hard work you put in it, visits to Tallahassee, phone calls to people, questions, you all do a good job. I appreciate it,” she said.

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Board of County Commission Regular Meeting March 8, 2022; Posted March 8, 2022