Work ethic and love are central for mother and daughter team at Mayor's Corner in Warsaw

Leonard L. Hayhurst, USA TODAY NETWORK
·2 min read

WARSAW − Amy Moran freely admits to being emotional and it's hard for her not to well up with tears when she thinks about her mother and all the work they've put into The Mayor's Corner for the past 30 years.

Wanda Thornsley grew up in the Dresden area, where her parents owned a small meat market. At one time, she owned Mayor's Corner and the general store in Conesville with her nephew. Wanda and Amy would cross each other going from one store to the other to operate it. They eventually sold the Conesville shop to focus on Mayor's Corner with Wanda and Amy buying the nephew out.

Wanda Thornsley and Amy Moran have owned Mayor's Corner outside of Warsaw for 30 years. The general store also has a deli and provides catering services. Wanda's parents owned a meat market in Dresden and running such a store is a family tradition Amy is thrilled to continue.
Wanda Thornsley and Amy Moran have owned Mayor's Corner outside of Warsaw for 30 years. The general store also has a deli and provides catering services. Wanda's parents owned a meat market in Dresden and running such a store is a family tradition Amy is thrilled to continue.

"I was glad to have her. It's hard to get help out here," Wanda said of Amy coming into the business.

Today, it's an oasis, about 12 miles from the next nearest store. Along with offering essential grocery items, Mayor's Corner also is a gas station, has a deli and pizza shop and provides catering. Amy would like to add a food truck at some point.

Amy's two siblings and her five children have worked for the business at one time. The family connection exists outside the business too. Until the COVID-19 pandemic Amy's siblings and their families would get together for dinner at least once a week.

The business currently has 10 employees. Amy said many have been with the store for many years and feel like family. Wanda, 84, still does some deliveries and hangs out at the store, visiting with regular customers.

"It's family tradition," Amy said when reflecting on their long association with Mayor's Corner. "Truthfully, in 30 years, we've only bickered a few times."

When asked what Wanda learned about running such a business from her mother, she said with a laugh, "It's work, but it's worth it."

When asked what she learned from Wanda, Amy said without hesitation, "Work ethic."

"My parents are workers. I'm a worker, my husband's a worker and my kids are workers," she continued. "They get up and go to work everyday. There's no questions. There's no ifs, ands or buts. Especially, when you work for yourself, you've got to go."

Amy's also learned from Wanda how to have good table manners and be fun loving. Traits Amy has instilled in her children and now she's working to do the same with her eight grandchildren.

"I've learned how to have fun and enjoy your life. Enjoy your kids," Amy said. "The world is fast and kids grow up quick. The older you get, the faster it seems to go to me. And love, just try to love them."

Leonard Hayhurst is a community content coordinator and general news reporter for the Coshocton Tribune with more than 15 years of local journalism experience and multiple awards from the Ohio Associated Press. He can be reached at 740-295-3417 or llhayhur@coshoctontribune.com. Follow him on X (formerly Twitter) at @llhayhurst.

This article originally appeared on Coshocton Tribune: Mayor's Corner in Warsaw owned by mother and daughter team