Lorry Sewell Myers was raised in Centralia like her father and his father before him. Lorry has three adult children who live in Centralia, and she is “Queenie” to four grandchildren and friend to many more.

For over twenty years, Lorry wrote a column for the Centralia Fireside Guard, entertaining readers each week with stories about smalltown life.

Lorry is a past President of the Centralia School board and was instrumental in establishing the Centralia Public School Foundation, a non-profit that gives back to the teachers and students in the school district. She is a past president of the Centralia Public Library board as well as the Centralia Chamber of Commerce. In 2017, Lorry was recognized as Centralia Citizen of the Year for her involvement in the community.

She currently serves on the development committee for the Boone County 20-year plan. She is also a columnist for Missouri Life Magazine, and a volunteer at Chance Elementary.

In 2023, Lorry wrote an application for the Chamber of Commerce to be considered for ARPA funding through Boone County. In 2024, the Centralia Chamber of Commerce was one of the first organizations to be awarded those funds. This grant was a game changer for the Centralia Chamber of Commerce and allowed the Chamber board the opportunity to open a new office, hire new staff and plan for the future.

Lorry loves Centralia’s vibrant downtown and the history and future that Hubbell Industries brings to our community. Lorry is encouraged by the number of passionate, positive young people who are taking leadership roles that will shape our community for years to come.

She likes to remind us that “these are the days you can’t get back”, and what our community does now affects who we will be later. Lorry believes in our schools, our parks, our library, and most certainly, our Chamber of Commerce. It takes a village and Lorry will tell you, she lives in the very best one.

The Chamber would like to thank Lorry from the bottom of our hearts for all of the hard work and dedication she has shown our small town. Her efforts have made a lasting impact on individuals and businesses alike. Without people like her in our community, we would not be thriving.

Lorry is also a valued member of our Ambassador Program. This is a volunteer based program and is open to anyone in Centralia. Duties include attending Chamber events, assisting with office tasks, and participating in other Chamber related activities and engagements.