Say hello to Mildred Braxton

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Manning resident Mildred Braxton has worked with Simpson Hardware in Manning “going on some 25 years,” she said. But she has been in the hardware business even longer. “I think it’s got to be at least 40 years,” she said Monday. “My dad worked at Griffin Hardware, and I followed him like a little puppy, I guess you could say.” Braxton is a ubiquitous fixture at the store. Managers and other employees say customers will ask for her and leave if she’s not there. “I’ve heard stories where customers will call and ask for me, and they’ll say I’m not there, and the person won’t ask their question,” Braxton said. “I’ve heard them say people will come in and say they need nails, but leave when they find out I’m not there.” Braxton takes it all in stride. “It’s nice to know that you mean that much to a customer, but most of the employees at Simpson have been there for many years and they all know their stuff,” she said. Braxton said she most enjoys her customers. “It’s nice talking to the people and seeing the same ones every week,” she said. “It’s kind of like family.”