In Manassas, 'She Is the Post Office'

Lawson, who is outgoing and friendly, said she loves the small-town atmosphere that has remained at the Old Town office. It is a place where customers come in just to say hi or bring goodies during the holidays.

"She likes strawberry milkshakes and homemade cookies, so I try to bring those to her when I can," Pattie said. "She has become a great friend who always goes that extra mile with customers."

Postal officials said that although Lawson isn't the longest-serving employee in Virginia, she holds that title in Manassas, which has three postal stations.

And, Lawson said, her customers don't let her forget that she has been around "forever."

"I get things like 'Mrs. Lawson, you are still here? I used to see you when I came here with my dad,' " Lawson said. "People tease me all the time. Once I was even asked if I was here during the Pony Express times."

Lawson said she has worked with two generations of one family, Mark Swank Jr. and his son Mark Swank, the latter of whom still works at the office.

"I say I came in with the old man and I am going out with the boy," she said. "We are like one big family here, and I'm just having a ball."

Lawson said retirement will be an adjustment but won't take long to get used to. Arthritis in her knees is making it harder to stand all day, she said, and she wants to spend time with her family, which includes her husband, three children, 10 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

"My husband, William [Lawson], wants me to retire because he thinks I will cook him a nice meal if I'm at home," Lawson said, laughing.

Lawson said she is also looking forward to spending more time at Walnut Grove Baptist Church in Warrenton and at the yard sales she visits to find items to donate to needy families.

And the Fauquier County resident said she plans to go back to Old Town to visit the friends she has made over the past four decades.

"Edna is a joy to see every day," Pattie said. "You grow to appreciate people who bring something extra to the job. A lot of people rely on Edna, and I don't know what I am going to do when she leaves."