PORT ARTHUR — “Everything was on paper and a book…Now, give me one of those handheld units,” said Angela Merritt, an associate who has worked at the store for over 30 years.
Merritt's co-worker, Jan Bennett started working at the store in February 1983.
One of her favorite memories was seeing Sam Walton visit the store.
“He got up front, made a speech, it was a surprise visit, no one knew, it was really awesome," Bennett said.
Store manager Debbie Breaux has plenty of praise for Bennett.
"Jan's always a team player, she's always willing to go and do whatever we ask inside the store. She helps out others and shows good team spirit," Breaux said.
Bennett and Merritt showed that team spirit after Tropical Storm Harvey struck the Port Arthur area.
"We had I think four inches of water in the front and 10 in the back. This store was up and running after a week…We so many special trucks coming in, people were exhausted but we pushed through it," Bennett said.
10 Walmart employees including Breaux were trapped inside the Walmart when Tropical Storm Harvey struck.
Breaux says her and the other associates played games and remained safe until they could leave Wednesday morning.