October 26, 2025
A Heart Of Gold Rewarded: Employee Of 40 Years Surprised With New Cadillac
JOHNSTON COUNTY – For 40 years, Beverly Creech has been the smiling face, steady presence, and caring heart behind the counter at Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q. On Monday morning, the beloved Clayton resident walked into work expecting a simple recognition from company leaders. Instead, she walked out with the surprise of a lifetime: a brand new, top-of-the-line red Cadillac SUV.
Creech, who began her journey with Smithfield’s in September 1985, has worked at both the Clayton and 40/42 Garner locations. Over the years, she’s become more than an employee — she’s become family to her coworkers, customers, and community.
“She is special,” said Junius Moore, Vice President of Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q. “She’s our first employee to reach 40 years with the company, and that’s a big milestone. But beyond her longevity, it’s her spirit that shines. Beverly has a servant’s heart. She actually cares if you’re having a good day. Customers look for her. She knows many of them by name. She has the respect of her peers and is just an all-around good soul.”
As Ms. Creech listened inside the store to heartfelt tributes from Chairman Gregory Moore and Vice President Moore, a gleaming red Cadillac quietly rolled up to the front door. Moments later, she stepped outside, stunned into silence.
The gift was the result of a conversation between company leaders, who felt no gesture was too grand for someone who had given so much.
“Junius and I were talking recently about how to thank her,” said company President Lew Starling. “We tossed around ideas — then Gregory (Moore) said, ‘Let’s get her a brand-new red Cadillac. Top of the line.’”
“On behalf of the company and all the employees, thank you. We love you!” Mr. Starling said as Creech stared in disbelief at her new car.
As the reality of the moment sank in, tears welled in Beverly’s eyes, overwhelmed in the moment.
“It is wonderful,” she told The Johnston County Report. “I really don’t know what to say. I’m thankful — more than thankful. I want to thank God for giving me the strength to do what I do. I want to thank my customers. I know most of them by name, and they know me. Thank you so much.”
Today, you’ll find Beverly Creech doing what she loves at the Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q at 10414 Clayton Boulevard. And parked just outside? A well-earned, red Cadillac — a symbol of hard work, humility, and a heart that’s touched thousands.
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21 Comments
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Very nice!!!!!very nice to see Johnston county people really doing something nice to help others and reward a long time wonderful person and employee!!!!!
That is absolutely fantastic!
Now this is the news I love to read!!! Great jobs SCNB Leaders!!! Congrats Ms. Beverly!!
It is very heartwarming and so wonderful to hear that the leaders of this company truly recognized a very special and committed employee within their company. I hope more companies would step up and follow their footsteps. Their actions speak in loud volumes.
People need to feel appreciated and respected.
That is absolutely awesome! Congratulations Miss Creech!!
Best story in a long time.
Congrats and thanks to those who cared about her so much to give her this recognition
That is wonderful!!! Anyone working at the same company for 40 years deserves an award ! Rex hospital employees that retire with over 40 years of full time employment do not even receive a thank you letter acknowledging their service.
Great job Ms. Beverly. To SNB leadership, this is an outstanding show of employee appreciation.
Congrats to her. I just need to know are they hiring???
We just moved here and this makes me want to go to Smithfield’s. I’m glad they appreciate their employees.
Well deserved… just imagine how much money she’s made that company 🤔 she deserves a house at the beach as well 👍🏼
CONGRATULATIONS!! A Beautiful Reward!! This is the nicest gift and recognition I’ve read about from a Company. It’s Great to know she was appreciated as a great employee.
Nice ride but I bet she probably would have rather had the $50,000 instead of the Cadillac lol. Nice gesture from a fast food company!!!!
So deserving and what a way of recognition for all those 40 years dedicated to SCNB! So happy for you, Ms. Beverly!
Congratulations
How well I can remember when Smithfield bbq came to Clayton back then. What they did for her was wonderful.
Great job SCNB!! It feels wonderful to be appreciated!!
Congratulations! on your 40 year Anniversary. Keep on doing you.
Congratulations!!!!!! It is good to see appreciation of a stellar employee!!!
She always have a big cheeky smile to greet you. She always make sure your order is right because she cares from her heart & not her mouth. Keep on Couzn! Show that LOVE MATTERS! 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
So uplifting!