62-year-old Mary Wilson of Opelousas had been counting down the days to retirement.

After 25 years in retail sales, Wilson punched the clock for the very last time Wednesday night at the Circle K store on Main Street in Opelousas.

But what happened next, brought her to tears.  

Wilson’s family members were there as the clock struck quittng time and greeted their loved one with a red carpet and fresh roses. 

“I had no idea this was happening right outside,” Wilson said.  “That was special.  For the first time in a while, I felt really special.” 

Wilson started her career at the gas station and convenience store in 1994 under the Diamond Shamrock Corporation.   

Diamond Shamrock then became Valero, Corner Store and now Circle K.

” Yes, I was there during all the transitions and name charges and staff changes.” Wilson said.

She worked her way up the ladder having started as a cashier and ending as an Asst. Store Manager.

“This job help me put my girls through school and food on our table.” 

If Mary Wilson were writing a book about her life, she says, meeting her future husband while on the job would be the first chapter.

“He was my customer, he came in every morning and got coffee and then he started coming in and bringing me flowers.” Wilson said. 

The couple fell in love and were married for 16 years until his untimely death.   

“Now I just want to spend some time traveling and finding myself.” Wilson said. 

“I wanna find me.  I’ve always been mother, grandmother and wife and now it me time.”

From Everyone at KLFY News 10, Congratulations Mrs. Wilson  

Click here to see video of the moment Mrs. Wilson walks the red carpet: Roll out the red carpet