Vernon Garden Club plants trees at post office in honor of current, past members

[email protected]

Given she worked there for 30 years and even served as the postmaster at one time, Pam Shores Cates was happy to visit the Vernon post office again on Feb. 22 to plant trees there with fellow Vernon Garden Club members. 

Cates was surprised, though, when one of the trees planted was in her honor.

Former Vernon post office Postmaster and Garden Club member Pam Shores Cates had a tree planted at the post office in her honor on Feb. 22. From left: Daughters Allison Brock and Niki Seley with Pam Shores Cates. [COLLIN BREAUX | Washington County News]

The Garden Club planted three trees on the front lawn in honor of Cates and two past members, Patsy Herring and Linda Marshall. Herring passed away four years ago, is the sister of current member Rhonda Dickinson, and served as a local school librarian. Marshall passed away last year and was a longtime Garden Club member. 

Cates said she appreciated the recognition.

“I hope they grow to be as beautiful as possible,” said Cates, who is also the past Garden Club President.

Vernon Garden Club member Rhonda Dickson is seen here next to a tree the Club planted at the Vernon post office in honor of her last sister and past member Patsy Herring. [COLLIN BREAUX | Washington County News]

Reflecting on her career with the post office, Cates said she had the “best job in town” and really misses her customers. She retired in 2005.

“I had the best customers and great employees,” Cates said.

Cates’ family, including her daughters Niki Seley and Allison Brock, were on hand to also celebrate the event.

The Vernon Garden Club recently planted three trees at the local post office in honor of current and past members, including Linda Marshall–who passed away last year. [COLLIN BREAUX | Washington County News] 

#Vernon