By By Lydia Grimes – features reporter
The main courtroom was filled with well-wishers bidding farewell to Probate Judge Rachel Agerton-Lancaster on her retirement Friday.
Agerton was presented with several gifts. One of her clerks, Taphe Saurez, along with her daughters, Adrian Gibbs and Desiree Gibbs, sang a spiritual in her honor.
Doug Agerton talked about his mother with glowing praise. “I grew up in the courthouse,” Agerton said. “I look on the ladies who work there as mothers as well.”
Each of the employees who work in the Probate Office were recognized, as were several who had retired over the years.
Maxine Butts talked about her years of working with Agerton and choked back the tears as she read letters from her co-workers.
Sheriff Grover Smith agreed.
Judge Dave Jordan said Agerton will be missed. “She has done an excellent job and has a big heart for people,” he said. “She handled her job with professionalism and integrity.”
Agerton said she is going to enjoy her retirement. “I have totally enjoyed my work,” she said. “But there comes a time when you need to step back, and do the things you want while you still can.”
Mayor Terry Clark and attorneys Billy Earl Cook and Jim Hart and District Attorney Steve Billy had praise for Judge Agerton.