Menefield Closes Out 42-Year Career at NMMC

Courier Supervisor Aundra Menefield put his career in park Nov. 4 after 42 years with North Mississippi Medical Center.

After graduating from Talladega (Alabama) High School in 1975, Aundra earned an associate degree in electronics before joining the NMMC staff in 1979. He first worked in the kitchen, then as a supply room clerk. In 1989, he transferred to Supply Processing Distribution, where he worked for eight years.

The last 20 years of his career were spent with the courier service, over which he was named supervisor in 1997. In the beginning, Aundra was one of two couriers. He closed out his career supervising 16 drivers, which he filled in for as needed.

In addition to Aundra’s quick smile and pleasant demeanor, he is best known for his beautiful voice. For 30 years, he was part of the NMMC Child Care Center’s Christmas program for employees in the hospital’s Food Court. Dressed as a shepherd and towering over the preschoolers, Aundra’s most requested song was “Sweet Little Jesus Boy.” “Now some of those children I sang with 30 years ago have children of their own,” he says.

In retirement, Aundra looks forward to spending time with his wife of 29 years, Minnie, and their family. Son William Crump (Stephanie) lives in Greenville, South Carolina, and has three children; son Cedric Crump lives in Bradenton, Florida, and has four children; and daughter Kimberly Crump lives in Tupelo.

After 42 years, Aundra says it’s the people here that he’ll miss the most. “I’m now working with children and grandchildren of some of the people I worked with when I first started,” he says.

Aundra is a member of Kimble Chapel Baptist Church, where he sings in the choir. He also enjoys working in his flower beds.