For 46 years, Bettie King has been the face of Troy Regional Medical Center.

On Thursday, TRMC will honor the hospital’s longtime receptionist with a retirement breakfast from 7:30 until 9 a.m. in the hospital cafeteria. All friends of “Miss Bettie” are invited to come celebrate this special time with her and her family.

King came to TRMC when the hospital opened in June 1969. She was there to greet the first patients who came via ambulance and pickup truck from Beard’s Hospital. And she has been the first face many people see when they walked through the doors of the hospital.

Teresa Grimes, hospital CEO, said King has been the “face of TRMC, the hospital’s first image,” and real asset.

“Everyone loves Miss Bettie and she is going to be sorely missed,” Grimes said. “She is always smiling and has a wonderful friendly spirit. And, she has been that way to everyone who walked through the door. And, she was that way every day.”

Grimes said King loves TRMC and she loves her community.

“She was excited to be here and we are honored to have had her for 46 years,” Grimes said.

“No one deserves retirement more than Miss Bettie and no one will be missed in retirement more than Miss Bettie.”

Grimes said the community is invited to join TRMC in celebrating King’s retirement Thursday morning.

“This will be a special time as we show appreciation to Miss Bettie for all that she has meant to Troy Regional Medical Center and the community she loves,” Grimes said.

“We are happy for her but we are going to miss her.”