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Debra Thompson retired from Walgreens on West Andrew Johnson Highway after 20 years of service.

When Thompson started at Walgreens in 2002 she was originally hired for the beauty department.

“When I started 20 years ago I started as beauty advisor in our beauty department,” Thompson said.” I would match foundation, help customers pick out skin care products and answer any questions they had about our products.”

Although Thompson is no longer a beauty advisor, she still has customers coming asking for her advice.

“A lot of customers would come back just for me to help them and I stuck with them for years, Thompson said.”

As Thompson reflects on her many years of service she keeps the relationships close to her heart.

“Over my years here I just think about all the customers I’ve met and the relationships I’ve built with them,” she said. “They are my family and I hold them close to my heart and I will miss them dearly.”

“I always liked to have fun and joke and get to know the customers, that’s why we are so close.”

The relationships Thompson built over the years shows in the outgoing of support she received on the day of her celebration.

Several customers visited the store with gifts for Thompson and to wish her well as she leaves Walgreens.

“My journey has been an adventure,” she said. “I’ve had my ups and downs here, but of course I had more ups because I wouldn’t have stayed so long.”

“I’m so grateful to the people who came in to show their support for me and it just show what a little kindness will do.”

As she departs Thompson wants to thank the employees for making her time with Walgreens unforgettable.

“I want to say thank you to all my fellow employees for making my experience so memorable,” Thompson said. “I enjoyed all the parties and celebrations we’ve had together and I’ll never forget them.

“My time with Walgreens was truly amazing and I wouldn’t have had it any other way.”