Geraldine Tibbs is retiring as Director of Public Relations and Communications for Madison County Schools. She has worked 44.5 years in the field of education, from classroom teacher to staff positions in the Central Office. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON COUNTY – After 44.5 years in education, Geraldine Tibbs is retiring as Director of Public Relations and Communications for Madison County Schools.

“Education is most rewarding because it affects the lives of all. Regardless to what one will become in life, he/she will come in contact with an educator,” Tibbs said. “I’m thankful God has allowed me to give 44.5 years of my life to this profession.”

If her parents were living today, they would be amazed at Tibbs’ accomplishments, such as serving as Madison County Schools’ first spokesperson. She feels “blessed to have (met) so many people, in all walks of life, and to hopefully impact lives of many young teachers and administrators.”

Working with several superintendents taught Tibbs a “a wide view on leadership and how to adapt to change.”

Teachers influenced Tibbs’ early life:

* Her first-grade teacher, always encouraging, kind and supportive.

* A strict fourth-grade teacher, always demanding the best.

* An elementary principal confirming good behavior or otherwise contacting your parents.

“I’m a proud graduate of Alabama A&M University … (the reason) I and my eight siblings completed college,” Tibbs said. She earned bachelor and master’s degrees there, certification in administration and as school psychometrist and 40 additional semester hours. Huntsville Bible College bestowed an honorary doctorate.

Her career began at Speak High School in Lawrence County, then in Athens and eventually at Monrovia Elementary School for 15 years. After Central Office positions, Tibbs assumed public relations responsibilities in 2007.

Husband Melvin Tibbs is lead quality assurance specialist for Aviation and Missile Research Development and Engineering. Their sons are Dr. Randall Tibbs of New Market with Huntsville Podiatry Center and Dr. Jeremy Tibbs of Hendersonville, Tenn. with Rivergate Dental.

Geraldine Tibbs feels gratitude to teach while “sending my two sons through college and medical and dental schools.”

For her successor, Tibbs recommends highlighting district victories, informing the board and superintendent, carefully crafting releases and “keeping the attorney’s number close by.”

For retirement, she’ll devote time to church, volunteering and “some ‘me’ time.”