TUPELO, Mississippi — Cindy Stafford recently retired after 45 years with North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo.

Stafford began her career at the hospital in the Pathology Department in July 1978 and completed her tenure as the unit coordinator for the Center for Digestive Health in early July.

Stafford also worked in endoscopy and medical imaging before joining the team at the Center for Digestive Health in 2001. During her NMMC career, she was twice named NMMC Employee of the Month.

While Stafford has seen the medical center grow and change over the years, it is her teammates, patients and their families she has treasured the most. 

“It’s the relationships that I have built with special people,” Stafford said. “Some of my best friends I have worked with at North Mississippi Health Services; I met so many different people here.”

Stafford graduated from Mooreville High School. She attended Northeast Mississippi Community College and graduated with an associate degree from Itawamba Community College. She also holds certification as a histology technician.

As she enters retirement, Stafford is lining up trips to the beach and lunch dates with retired friends. Most importantly, she and her husband, Dennis, are planning new adventures with their son and daughter-in-law, Will and Rebecca Stafford; their daughter and son-in-law, Hillary and Travis Jorgensen; and grandson, Parker Stafford.

 “I am looking forward to spending time with my family, especially Parker,” Stafford said.