ORANGE PARK – Residents crowded town hall last Friday to honor the service of former mayor Edna Griffith Greenewalt.

Several keynote speakers headlined the event, including Town Manager Sarah Campbell, who reflected on Edna’s history and accomplishments in Orange Park, and her rise to power in local government.

Edna moved to Orange Park in 1965 with her husband, Capers, and their two children. She worked in several professions, including under attorney David Lewis and as a federal purchasing agent. She volunteered for the United Way of Orange Park, served on the town’s Allocations and Charter Review Committees, and much more.

Greenewalt was elected as the first woman on the town council in 1992, defeating Harold Rymer by 20 votes.

She then became the town’s first woman mayor from 1994-1995.

During her time in office, the formation of the Dudley Branch Task Force related to flooding, the opening of the Orange Park Senior Center and the construction of a new Town Hall building were among her accomplishments.

“I think it’s wonderful that we’re pausing today to recognize Edna for her contributions in the community and to mark the pioneering role she played for women in local government here,” Campbell said.

The next speaker was a close friend and confidant of Greenewalt’s, Dee Talty. The pair bonded over the game of bridge long ago. Talty told Greenewalt how much she loved the public walking, running and biking path on River Road bordering St. Johns River, which she had strolled down for 10 years.

At that moment, Greenewalt let her friend in on a little secret: she was once the town’s mayor, and establishing the sidewalk was one of her shining accomplishments in office.

“So I said, ‘This is wonderful. Somebody really needs to show some appreciation (for making) this possible for so many of us. For me and everybody that walks down there, it’s therapeutic, not only physically, but mentally, and for people living alone. That’s the only contact you have with other human beings, even if it’s just saying hello when you’re walking by,” she said.

Plans to honor her accomplishments became a reality last week when a plaque was placed at the intersection of Kingsley and River roads.

Greenewalt also spoke, reflecting on her time in office, which was highlighted by the creation of the sidewalk.

“(Capers) wanted me to run. That was one of his goals, and he thought I had the knowledge and ability to do it. I never envisioned myself in public office, but I enjoyed it, and it was my pleasure to get the (sidewalk project) done,” she said.