Judge Lumpkin Pledges Service to 15th Circuit Court District
Published 12:47 pm Friday, March 29, 2024
Circuit Judge Richelle Lumpkin, at left, takes the oath of office as her husband Wendell holds the Bible during an investiture ceremony on March 25 at the Pearl River County Courthouse. Supreme Court Chief Justice Mike Randolph, at right, administers the oath.
Judge Richelle Lumpkin’s son and daughter, Hunter at left and Hannah at right, assist her in putting on the judicial robe after she took the oath of office. Her husband Wendell is seated at far right. The robe once belonged to the late Circuit Judge Claiborne “Buddy” McDonald IV, Judge Lumpkin’s predecessor.
Gov. Tate Reeves, who appointed Judge Richelle Lumpkin to the 15th Circuit Court, gives the keynote address at her investiture on March 25 at the Pearl River County Courthouse in Poplarville.
Circuit Judge Richelle Lumpkin, at left, takes the oath of office as her husband Wendell holds the Bible during an investiture ceremony on March 25 at the Pearl River County Courthouse. Supreme Court Chief Justice Mike Randolph, at right, administers the oath. Gov. Tate Reeves, who appointed Judge Lumpkin to the court, is seated at left. (Special to the Item)
Circuit Judge Richelle Lumpkin, recently appointed to the 15th Circuit Court District, vows to dedicate herself wholeheartedly to her judicial duties, echoing the values instilled by her parents.
During her investiture ceremony on March 25, Lumpkin expressed her commitment to Governor Tate Reeves and the district’s citizens, stating, “My promise… is to be the best circuit judge that I can be, as I have been taught from my youth.”
Addressing a packed Pearl River County Circuit Courtroom in Poplarville, Lumpkin pledged to uphold the principles of fairness and impartiality, administering justice equally to all. She emphasized her dedication to upholding the rule of law and the constitutions of Mississippi and the United States.
Governor Reeves praised Lumpkin as an “incredibly accomplished and successful judge,” expressing confidence in her ability to serve with honor and distinction. He acknowledged the weight of filling the vacancy left by Judge Claiborne “Buddy” McDonald IV’s passing, noting Lumpkin’s preparedness for the task.
Chief Justice Mike Randolph administered the ceremonial oath to Lumpkin, urging her to serve diligently. Reflecting on Lumpkin’s predecessor, Judge McDonald, Randolph highlighted the importance of faith and patriotism in judicial service.
Lumpkin, who began hearing Circuit Court cases on February 19, acknowledged the governor’s trust in her. She expressed gratitude to her late parents, who instilled in her the values of diligence, honesty, and excellence.
Senior Circuit Judge Prentiss Harrell welcomed Lumpkin to the bench and expressed confidence in her ability to contribute positively to the district’s judiciary. Judge Harrell emphasized the importance of justice and applauded Governor Reeves’ appointments within the 15th Circuit.
In addition to Lumpkin’s appointment, Governor Reeves recently appointed Pearl River County Court Judge Lisa Beech McGloflin to fill Lumpkin’s former position. He also appointed Circuit Judge Brad Touchstone and Joseph “Jop” Parker to vacancies within the 15th Circuit in previous years.
Representative Jansen Owen, who began his legal career under Judge Lumpkin, commended her commitment to the community and the rule of law and noted her historic appointment as the first woman Circuit Judge in the 15th Circuit District.
Lumpkin’s judicial career spans various roles, including serving as County Court Judge for Pearl River County and as a Youth Court Referee. She also held positions as Municipal Judge for the City of Picayune and as Pearl River County prosecutor.
A graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi and Mississippi College School of Law, Lumpkin resides in Carriere with her family.
