Little did Bernice
”
Mecca
”
Shurden know that an automobile crash 40 years ago would change
her life forever.
Little did Bernice “Mecca” Shurden know that an automobile crash 40 years ago would change her life forever.
After a truck plowed through the plate glass windows of Chappell Pump & Supply in Gilroy in May 1969, the enterprising young woman with a can-do friendly attitude was hired to help clean up.
Shurden, 85, and her co-workers are celebrating her 40th anniversary with the company today. She began working for Bob Chappell, the original owner of Chappell Pump & Supply, on May 19, 1969.
“Her good humor, questionable jokes and expertise were well received by customers, most of whom became good friends,” Chappell said. “And, when it came to the delicate task of sprinkler repair, the expert is Mecca, ‘The Pump Lady.'”
After the crash, Shurden stayed on and quickly adapted to the numerous tasks associated with the pump business.
“The first year was challenging, but enjoyable trying to learn all the different fittings in the store shop,” Shurden said. “After a year, Mr. Chappell made a comment about how they did not give me much help in learning, but you learn the hard way and you will never forget it.”
When Chappell sold the business in 1991, Shurden stayed on under new owners Randy Lenhert and John Gibbs.
“Mecca has been a true friend to all of her fellow employees and customers alike for many years,” Lenhert said. “While she may act tough at times, we all know she has a heart of gold.”
“In my lifetime, I have seen a lot of changes, some for the good, and some not so good,” Shurden said. “But I would not change the years I have lived, for the future years ahead.”
Comments
“Mecca, presents herself rough and grouchy so she can keep you from thinking you might be able to get one over on her. I especially like her tone when she tells me that it is about time that she fires me. When people hear the name Chappell Pump & Supply there are tow ladies names that come to mind Mrs. Ann Chappell, Bob’s mother, and Mecca. It seems that not a day goes by that I see someone during the course of the day that asks me if Mecca is still at work, and that they want to stop by and say Hi. Happy 40th Mecca!, Thank you for your dedication and special customer service.” John Gibbs, co-owner
“Not long after I started working for Bob Chappell in 1977, my father told me the story of how he met Mecca. He returned an electric fence charger that he had purchased from Chappell Pump, that he thought had stopped working. Mecca was there to assist him at the front counter & at some point during their conversation, apparently Mecca touched both the positive & negative poles on the fence charger with her hands confirming that the fence charger did in fact work properly. Maybe that is why Mecca’s hair is so curly! All kidding a side, Mecca has been a true friend to all of her fellow employees & customers alike for many years. While she may act tough at times, we all know she has a heart of gold. Happy 40th Mecca!, Thank you for your years of dedication.” Randy Lenhert, co-owner
