Whataburger employee retires after 54 years with the fast-food chain: “It was just a blessing”

FORNEY, Texas (WFAA) – Many people land their first job at a fast food restaurant, but for one Texas woman, it became a career for life until Wednesday.

At this time, Connie Claxton retired from Whataburger after working there for 54 years.

Claxton still remembers the first Whataburger.

“I thought it was the best burger I’d ever had and thought, ‘I could do that,'” Claxton said.

“Love at first bite” was in 1970. That’s when Claxton started working at Whataburger.

And she never left.

“I still eat a Junior Burger every morning!”

In 54 years, she worked at 10 locations, the longest being in Terrell, Texas.

“I was there for about 18 years and I married one of my customers!” Claxton said. “I took his order. He had a boy with special needs. He was so nice to him and I thought, ‘Man, what would it be like to be married to him?'”

They were married for three decades until he died 11 years ago.

Still, Claxton’s commitment to Whataburger never waned, and she became as legendary as the burgers she served.

“So I woke up this morning and thought, ‘You know what? Thank you, Jesus, for making it possible for me to live one more day!'” Claxton added.

But this was the last day!

After more than half a century of service, Claxton retired.

“I feel like in my heart it’s time to give up,” Claxton said.

Whataburger hosted a party for Claxton at the restaurant on Tuesday. She said she had barely been able to sleep before her last shift.

“It’s just been a blessing,” Claxton added. “I thank the Lord every day.”

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