Special-Needs School Bus Driver Turns in Keys After 37 Years

BEDFORD COUNTY, Tenn. — A school bus driver for special-needs students here has retired, the Shelbyville Times-Gazette reports.

Freda Alford, who drove a special-needs school bus for Bedford County School District, retired last spring after serving the district for 37 years.

Before she began servicing routes, Alford owned a beauty shop and a barbecue restaurant with her late husband, Avery, who was also a school bus driver, according to the Times-Gazette. However, Alford told the newspaper that driving a school bus has been her most fulfilling role, and that the students she transported were “the most precious children in the world.” Alford also credited the special bond she had with students and other special-needs school bus drivers.

Alford is currently spending her retirement with her family and dog, Sadie, the Times-Gazette reports.

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