County Court-at-Law Judge No. 2 Randall Rogers was recognized for 30 years of service to Smith County by former District Judge Cynthia Kent during Commissioners Court on Tuesday, January 30, 2018. Courtesy 

Smith County officials honored more than two dozen employees for their work anniversaries on Tuesday.

Eleven of those employees were honored in person as part of the regular meeting of the Smith County Commissioners Court, a five-member panel that oversees county government.

Among the people honored were four elected officials: Justice of the Peace Quincy Beavers, 35 years; County Court-at-Law No. 2 Judge Randall Rogers, 30 years; Precinct 4 Commissioner JoAnn Hampton, 15 years; and Sheriff Larry Smith, five years.

Beavers worked 11 years for the sheriff’s office before becoming Precinct 1 justice of the peace, according to a county news release. He was recognized for being a man of faith, family and fairness. 

Former 114th District Court Judge Cynthia Kent spoke about Rogers, calling him a fair judge dedicated to the law and making a positive difference to everyone who comes into his courtroom. She said his innovative methods have helped keep the streets safe, and praised his leadership in running the county’s new Veterans Treatment Court, according to the news release. 

“Thank you from a grateful county,” she said. 

During Hampton’s recognition, Precinct 1 Commissioner Jeff Warr said he has a good relationship with Hampton and she cares deeply for the community she represents.

“Even when we disagree, I appreciate so much her professionalism,” Warr said. “It’s been a great pleasure of mine to get to know her and become great friends with her.”

County Judge Nathaniel Moran, who presides over the court, said he has been on the job for about 18 months and can’t imagine how Hampton has done it for 15 years.

“It’s a tremendous burden and you’ve carried that burden with a great deal of character and integrity,” Moran said.

Precinct 2 Commissioner Cary Nix and Precinct 3 Commissioner Terry Phillips also thanked her for her service.

“Thank you to the citizens of Smith County,” Hampton said. “Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to serve you.”

Smith told the court he has had “a great five years.”

Other people who were recognized for work anniversaries or other accomplishments include:

• Sharon Scott, 30 years, auditor’s office
• Kristie Langford, 30 years, adult probation
• Judith Stewart, 20 years, juvenile services
• Jay Zehren, 20 years, juvenile services
• Margarita Palacio, 15 years, facility services
• Edna Morris, 10 years, elections
• Christina Haney, 5 years, purchasing
• Michael Roark, 5 years, veteran services
• Browne Carleton, 15 years, sheriff’s office
• Brian Westbrook, 10 years, adult probation
• Perry Session, 10 years, road and bridge
• Cory Hoover, 10 years, district attorney’s office
• Aaron Rediker, 10 years, district attorney’s office
• Gwendolyn Patillo, 10 years, juvenile services
• Racheal Shirley, 5 years, district attorney’s office
• Paul Black, 5 years, sheriff’s office
• Ira Earls, 5 years, sheriff’s office
• Tim McDonald, 5 years, sheriff’s office
• Cary Simmons, 5 years, sheriff’s office
• Robert Strickland, 5 years, sheriff’s office
• David Turner, 5 years, sheriff’s office
• Robert Carlson, 5 years, sheriff’s office
• Danielle King, 5 years, sheriff’s office
• Kamecca Oliver, 5 years, sheriff’s office
• Recognized for their work in elections certification were Karen Nelson and Joanna Stanfield, elections certifications