Laura Cone, City of Grayson Administrator: Retires After 20+ Years of Service By Beth Volpert Johansen
“You can’t have a better friend – at work or in life. Dad [Former Mayor Doug Wilkerson] and I have been blessed by her friendship and guidance for the city.” Mayor Allison Wilkerson “She subbed for me when I was city administrator. When I left, I never blinked – she had it under control.” Laurie Anderson “Laura has always been exceedingly approachable. She has always worked hard to include community groups in city activities.” Santa Perry Eidson “Laura leaves a legacy here in Grayson. No matter what happens in the public eye, Laura has always defined the Southern gentility
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of Grayson.” Gail Lane (Former City of Grayson Community Development Management) “Mayor Hinkle always thought so much of her, and so do I. It was a joy for him to be able to perform the ceremony when she and Bo were married in the city gazebo.” Barbara Hinkle (Former First Lady of Grayson) “Her personality, oh! She is a gracious and lovely girl – and I will say it over and over even if she is mine!” Linda Heaton (Mom) “I have watched her friendships grow here in the past twenty years. Aside from the people, of course, Laura will miss Grayson Day planning with Allison and the whole team. It has been one of her favorite tasks. Retirement from the city means she will find some way to stay busy – and she will!” Bo Cone (Laura’s husband) There is no doubt Bo and Laura will find plenty to do. They are finishing their retirement cabin in the mountains (complete with a luxury chicken coop), will keep cheering on the GA Bulldogs, and doting on their four beautiful grandchildren will keep them plenty busy. But it is that energy and the gracious nature by which Laura has always treated anyone who has crossed her path that will carry her forward into a retirement that will be anything but “tired.” The very nature of “retirement” indicates an end to one thing. However, it is Laura’s way to stay very busy providing a joyful home, a bountiful table, and carefully chosen gifts for all occasions. For Laura, retirement is just the beginning of something wonderful at the cabin she has named “The Happiest Place on Earth.” It is Bo who is in charge of the gardens on the grounds of their cabin. It is Bo who brings the gardens inside in the form of seasonal bouquets that Laura features on her own social media pages alongside photos of the grands, their own blended family, and the many celebrations that make up a cherished life together. Just a little more than ten years ago, one such celebration took place in the newly established Grayson City Park. Their wedding in the gazebo on the grounds of the city they both love was a lovely event surrounded by their children. Laura and Bo exchanged vows with Former Mayor Judge Jim Hinkle officiating. The wedding was something to behold and a testament to the closeness of the Grayson community. What Laura leaves the Grayson community is her personal touch. “When she first began working with the city twenty years ago, Grayson Day was very small,” says Mayor Allison Wilkerson. “Over the years, as co-workers and, most importantly, friends, we have spent countless hours growing the event, laughing, and even crying together when plans didn’t quite go the way we intended. I will certainly miss the day-to-day with her!” Overall, the past twenty years have seen Grayson and its area grow by leaps and bounds. Throughout those years, Laura worked with the schools as her children moved towards each of their graduations. Even after they graduated, Laura stayed involved with the schools making sure, along with Mayor Allison Wilkerson, that the city could support the younger generations growing up both inside and just outside the city. Through her role as city administrator, Laura has kept a watchful eye on all things moving outside her window – not only keeping note in official record of the growth, but also noting when a bit of gracious Continued on page 16
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