Retiring clerk commended

The Orange County Circuit Courtroom was packed June 19 for a family reunion of clerks, courthouse staff, deputies, legislators, family and friends as they all gathered to wish Linda Timmons a fond farewell before she retired from her circuit court clerk post this week.
Timmons has spent the last 33 years in the clerk’s office, beginning her career under former clerk Henry DeJarnette, before rising to chief deputy clerk under Pete Joyner and then becoming the county's 18th court clerk in 1997.
The Honorable Daniel Bouton, resident judge of the circuit court of Orange County served as master of ceremonies and handled the task with his trademark sincerity mixed with doses of riotous humor.
In his remarks of appreciation for Timmons' service, he cited two themes that deserved recognition: length of years and scope of service.
He noted the growth and changes that have occurred within the clerk's office and commended Timmons for mastering the technology of the office and preserving and maintaining the county's land and court records-a service he said was vital to the citizens of Orange County and every member of the community.
He also commended Timmons for her scope of service, acknowledging her work in the state clerk's association among others.
"Your work has been extensive, varied, meaningful and had an indelible impact on the lives of others," he continued.
Timmons, flanked by her family in the courtroom, hugged the judge following his remarks and listened as more than a half dozen speakers shared their thoughts of her-a mix of reverence, levity, sincerity and love.
Chief deputy clerk Teresa Carroll, who assumes Timmons' position until a special election in November, said she was honored to work for Timmons who was a great boss and friend.
"She always said we deal with people at the most critical times of their lives-recording deeds, probating a will, completing an adoption, getting a marriage license or dealing with a legal issue," Carroll recalled.
Local attorney and president of the Orange County Bar Association Charles Bowman cited Timmons as one of the hardest working and most dedicated people he's ever met. He commended her for building a strong staff through education and training and added, "this clerk's office is dedicated to public service and no one out there can suggest otherwise."
Remembering that Timmons and the clerk's office had moved from the old courthouse to the former library on Belleview and then into the former Faulconer Hardware store in Perry Plaza before landing a permanent home in the renovated courthouse, Bowman concluded by saying, "Linda, you've poured your heart and soul into this office."
Others agreed. Orange County Board of Supervisors Chairman Lee Frame presented Timmons a board-approved resolution honoring her for her service, and 17th District Senator Edd Houck and 58th District Delegate Rob Bell-a former prosecutor in Orange-presented Timmons with a General Assembly resolution.
Other speakers, who worked with Timmons at the state level through the clerk's association, praised her for her efforts to develop circuit court clerk manuals for the 120 clerks' offices across the state, among other things.
Timmons' daughter Wendy and granddaughter Brandi Rollins shared touching comments about their mother and "mammy" that judge Bouton termed "a real tribute."
"This is a day I'll never forget," Timmons said. "I'm humbled."
In her remarks, Timmons acknowledged her judges and her staff telling her deputies, "I appreciate the job you've done. Thanks for your support. It's been my privilege to serve as your clerk. I cannot praise you enough."
Timmons said although this door of her life was closing, she knew God would open another one for her. "I know God will continue to bless me in my life," she said.