The woman who has kept the state House of Representatives running for 16 years has called her last roll.

Sandra McKinney will retire in November as House clerk after 16 years in the post and a total of 34 years working for the House.

The clerk wears many hats — putting together the daily legislative calendar, calling roll and doling out paychecks just to name a few.

Colleagues say McKinney brought a special kind of professionalism and grace to those seemingly mundane administrative duties.

“She’s just incredible,” said House Speaker David Wilkins. “She’s one of the people I really depend on to keep the House running.”

McKinney, 65, declined to discuss her pending retirement.

She was elected clerk in 1988 after having worked as a staffer on various committees and as the speaker’s executive secretary.

Charles Reid, the speaker’s chief counsel and the odds-on favorite to replace McKinney, said McKinney thrived under Republicans and Democrats by transcending political squabbling.

“She’s an individual who works hard to treat everybody fairly, regardless of party,” Reid said.

House reading clerk Bubba Cromer, who works closely with McKinney, said she leaves mighty big shoes to fill.

“She was like a momma figure to me,” he said. “She takes care of people, and I’m sure she’ll be missed.”

Reach Stensland at (803) 771-8358 or jstensland@thestate.com