It is perhaps no wonder the woman her friends, co-workers and family described as both &uot;hard-working&uot; and &uot;a dear, dear friend&uot; would end up at the ballroom door, being one of the first to greet well-wishers at her own reception.

For outgoing Natchez City Clerk Frances Trosclair, that turned out to be a job in itself. The event, which was hosted by Trosclair’s children, lasted from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at the Ramada Hilltop — and halfway through, no less than 120 people were in attendance.

&uot;I’m just … overwhelmed,&uot;&160;Trosclair said of the turnout. On Friday, she retired after serving for almost two decades in city government.

&uot;We gave her the choice of a set of golf clubs or a reception, and she chose the reception,&uot;&160;said son Peter Trosclair. &uot;And it has turned out well.&uot;

Trosclair was city clerk for Natchez for eight years, but she has served the city for more than 18 years as director of the senior center and director of public transportation. She also served on countless boards and committees.

&uot;I’ve had the good fortune to be associated with so many rewarding people,&uot; she said. &uot;But my eight years as city clerk have been so exciting because there’s been lots of projects I’ve had a small part in.&uot;

Some of those who gathered in Trosclair’s honor Friday evening spoke of the attributes that made her suited for the job of city clerk.

&uot;I&160;worked with all eight years as city clerk … and 12 years before that,&uot; said Personnel Director Kay Patt. &uot;She was always so outgoing and helpful, … a wonderful boss and a wonderful person.&uot;

&uot;She’s done great things for the city of Natchez,&uot;&160;said Tourism Director Walter Tipton. &uot;You want a person that qualified and capable in that position.&uot;

&uot;When she helped us (department directors)&160;with our budgets. She was always a sympathetic listening ear. And even when she said ‘no,’ she said it in a very nice tone,&uot; Police Chief Willie Huff said, laughing.

Others have known Trosclair better as a longtime friend, including Mary Jane Gaudet, who called Trosclair her role model.

&uot;She’s invested herself in the the whole town, taking a real leadership role,&uot;&160;Gaudet said. &uot;She gives 150 percent of her energy to projects that touch so many lives.&uot;

&uot;She’s the dearest friend,&uot; said Rita Stephens. &uot;To know her is to love her.&uot;

Still others have come to admire her both as a capable worker and a good friend.

&uot;She’s a great person I’ve known all my life,&uot; said Mayor Hank Smith. &uot;And she is a true public servant. I wouldn’t have missed this for the world.&uot;

Next, Trosclair plans to spend time traveling with her family, including trips to Ireland, Hawaii and across the United States. But she is not done with public life just yet.

&uot;I will pursue any opportunities I have for service,&uot; she said.