Legends of CCPS - Volume 1

Legends of CCPS is a new feature to highlight our longest serving employees and capture the stories of their dedication over the years.

Lawhorne, Starkes, and Timbers have a combined 136 years driving for CCPS

In the heart of Culpeper County, there are three figures who have been a steadfast presence for over four decades, guiding generations of children safely to and from school. These three legendary figures are known by many students who have ridden a Culpeper County Public Schools (CCPS) bus: Dorothy “Dottie” Lawhorne, Roy "Chicken" Starkes and Lucy Timbers. These bus drivers are not just transporters of children; they are pillars of the community, each with a unique story that intertwines with their dedication to their job.

Dorothy “Dottie” Lawhorne

For nearly five decades, Dottie Lawhorne has been a familiar face on the roads of Culpeper County, navigating her school bus through the changing seasons of life and education. In almost 50 years with CCPS, she has only missed a handful of days, “I want my perfect attendance award,” she said.

Lawhorne's journey began in Fairfax County for just one year before finding her home in Culpeper. "I started driving a school bus 48 years ago," she recounts, "One year in Fairfax County in the '70s, then I came to Culpeper." Her decision to become a bus driver was deeply rooted in familial ties and a love for working with children. "My mother used to drive many moons ago when I was 10," she shared. "I picked it up from her, and I liked it. I like working with kids."

Beyond just a job, driving a school bus became a way of life for Lawhorne, allowing her to provide for her family while keeping them close. "I started driving the bus and cleaning houses so that I didn't have to leave my kids. I could take them with me," she explains, reflecting on the sacrifices made to balance work and family.

Throughout her years of service, Lawhorne has witnessed numerous changes in the industry, from technological advancements to shifts in transportation standards. She said that she usually holds on to her buses, usually having the oldest bus in the fleet. Yet, amidst the evolution, her love for the children she transports remains steadfast. "I love my kids, and they love me," she reflects, emphasizing the deep connections she's forged with her passengers over the years.

Dottie has been driving for Emerald Hill since the school opened. Prior to that, she drove students to Floyd T Binns and Sycamore Park. She said, “For the most part, I have had the same run for 47 years. I probably could drive it with my eyes closed!”

“Chicken”

Roy "Chicken" Starkes is a man of many tales. According to legend, when he was a child, he was working at the flour mill with his father and his uncle, and he fell into the flour. When he stood up, his uncle said that he looked like a chicken. From that point on, he was known as “Super Chicken.” Over the years, “Super” dropped off and he is known to all as Chicken.

Chicken first sat behind the wheel of a school bus in 1979, during his high school days. From then on, Chicken has been a fixture in Culpeper County, driving various routes and athletic trips. For 12 years, he also worked as an ice cream truck driver, but his true calling is driving a school bus. He served as a mechanic in the bus shop from 1990 to 2022, but that did not stop him from driving. He shared, “I drove every day that I worked in the shop, I still come to see the boys every day.”

Although he officially retired from CCPS in June 2022, Chicken did not stay away for long. He came back as a substitute bus driver in August 2022 and hasn’t stopped. This year, he has been mainly driving the Bus 24 route from Eastern View High School and Floyd T. Binns. When asked why he has stayed so long, his answer was simple: "I like the people that I have been around." He cherishes the bonds he has formed with students, parents, and colleagues over the decades, often spending time at the local 7-11 where he sees coworkers and parents and shares stories.

Despite his lottery dreams, Chicken remains dedicated to his job, stating that if he wins big money, he will probably keep driving. "It's what I have done all my life," he said. Clearly, his loyalty extends beyond the paycheck; he finds his joy in the connections he has made and the sense of purpose he found on the bus every day.

Ms. Lucy Timbers

Across the county at Pearl Sample on Bus 148, you will find another CCPS legend, Lucy Timbers, a veteran driver who brings her own brand of warmth and compassion to the job. With a near-perfect attendance record spanning over four decades, Lucy's dedication is unmatched. She started driving for CCPS in 1981 to keep an eye on her own children, ensuring they behaved themselves, but soon found joy in interacting with all the children she transported.

For Lucy, she says the best part of her job is witnessing the growth of her young passengers, from timid kindergarteners struggling to climb the steps of the bus to confident fifth-graders ready to take on the world. She speaks fondly of the children, “I think all of them are perfect. Even the ones that have been harder to get along with, they are perfect. I wouldn’t trade them for anything,” she said.

Over the years, Lucy has witnessed changes in both parents and children, but her respect and understanding remains constant. She has embraced advancements like security cameras on buses, recognizing their value in maintaining order and ensuring the safety of all aboard. “I love the cameras,” she said, adding that they are, “the greatest thing that ever hit the bus.”

Lucy also has embraced new buses as they have come along, she thinks that she has driven about five new buses over the years. Most recently, she was a little reluctant to switch over to a larger 77-passenger bus. However, she made the change and says that it rides better and the kids like having more space. She said that the lights have been something to get used to on newer buses.

At the end of the day, Lucy said she will drive any vehicle. “I’d drive that wrecker that they have out there, I would drive anything. I might not like it, but I will do it,” she said. Her willingness to adapt and roll with whatever is needed of her is one of the things that makes Lucy such a fabulous bus driver and amazing employee in the CCPS Transportation Department.

Legends

All of these remarkable bus drivers share a deep appreciation for the Culpeper County community and the bonds forged through years of service. Like Chicken, Lucy said that she appreciates the support of the parents. “I love my parents,” she said, “a lot of the reason I have stayed on a long time is because of my parents.” She said that she has parents that bring her gifts on Christmas and holidays, “They have grandchildren, but they still remember me.” One former parent pulled up behind Lucy’s bus one day to tell her that she loved her, she will always remember her and gave her $20. She also received a Christmas card with a photo of her former students' children, “I value that photograph and will for the rest of my life,” she said.

Dottie also shared her gratitude for the families she has served. “I have a good relationship with my parents. Some of the kids, I have driven their parents and grandparents!,” she said. Like Lucy, she has also received special gifts from her families. “I enjoy the compliments I get from the parents and the kids. I get a lot. One Valentine’s day, a family forgot to bring the flowers on the bus, and when I got home, they were at my driveway with flowers,” she remembered.

When asked about the future, none of them have plans to give up driving anytime soon. Dottie said, “I don’t know how to retire. What would I do without driving? I am so used to it. I say every year, this might be my last, but then I end up back again. I feel I am most sane when I am on that bus. But if I ever feel that I am not safe, I won’t continue.” Chicken said he wants to continue driving at least a few more years until his youngest son is out of school. Ms. Lucy says that she plans to drive as long as she stays well, which could be a long time as she has barely missed a day of work in over 40 years. “It is very rewarding,” she said, “I think it is a great job, between the parents, staff, and children, I don’t think I could want any more.”

Culpeper County Public Schools is grateful for the many years of service that these individuals have dedicated to our community. They embody the spirit of dedication, respect, and love for their job, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of everyone they encounter. Perhaps they all deserve “Super” in front of their names! Super Dottie, Super Chicken, and Super Lucy, we thank you!