Conference awards honor clerks of Superior Court

RALEIGH — The N.C. Conference of Clerks of Superior Court recognized several members at its Summer Educational Conference held last month in Waynesville.

Pam Barlow, Ashe County clerk of Superior Court was presented the President’s Award, a news release says. The honor recognizes a clerk who has given unselfishly to his or her work.

“This elected clerk is always there to host a regional, call a legislator or be on a committee when needed even after a year as president,” the release says.

Presented the Boots on the Ground Award were Jess Hill and Rebecca “Becky” Spragins, respectively the clerks of Superior Court for Columbus and Halifax counties. The honor recognizes clerks who have lobbied the General Assembly, which meets at the Legislative Building on Jones Street in Raleigh.

“These clerks deserve much praise and thanks for their hard work when downtown on Jones Street or getting people to go to Jones Street,” the release says.

Tonya Leggett, Martin County clerk of Superior Court, was presented the Rachel Joyner Award. The honor is named for Rachel Joyner, who worked for 65 years in the Nash County clerk of court’s office before retiring as its clerk of Superior Court.

Also honored was Carol Allen White, Edgecombe County clerk of Superior Court, who was recognized for 30 years of elected service to the state.

The event also saw the installation of the conference’s officers for the 2024-25 program year. They are James Lee “Jim” Mixson III, of Iredell County, president; Hill, first vice president; Deborah “Susie” Thomas, of Lee County, second vice president; Lisa Johnson-Tonkins, of Guilford County, secretary; and John Deaton, of Montgomery County, treasurer.

The General Assembly created the Conference of Clerks of Superior Court in 2006 to improve the administration of justice in North Carolina. It consists of the elected clerks from the state’s 100 counties and is supported by administrative staff, Its mission includes working to improve public accessibility to the courts through the clerk of Superior Court, serving as a resource for the clerks in key areas of court administration, and acting as a liaison on behalf of clerks of Superior Court to governmental and nongovernmental stakeholders.