Debby Amacker, who began her career as an assistant clerk in 1997 before serving as Justice Court Clerk in 2008, celebrated her retirement with family and friends at the Pearl River County Justice Court in Millard, on Friday.

Amacker, who has been responsible for two civil clerks, one highway patrol clerk and one misdemeanor clerk, was also in charge of fee collections, payment of fees to the county and the budget.

The mother of two and grandmother of one, said, “It is time for me to spend time with my family and be a ‘Nana.’ Now I can do those things I have wanted to do for so long, like going to the nursing home once a month to sing with my ladies group from Serenity Baptist Church.”

Although she is leaving her career of the last 15 years to spend more time with family, she is quick to describe her co-workers as family as well.

“We started out as a family who have cried, laughed and prayed together and we have continued to work as one throughout the years. I have had a wonderful staff and have always called them my girls. They have worked hard and have always done so with a good attitude.”

Two of those work “family” members, Glenda Raine and Jane Tatum, had recently retired but were on hand to celebrate Amacker’s career and accomplishments. Both Raine and Tatum had followed Amacker into employment with the Pearl River Justice Court after leaving the public school system.

“When she suggested we apply here, after she came here from the school system, we didn’t hesitate,” said Tatum. “She is so wonderful to work with and we were happy to all be back together again.”

Amacker said, “I have loved my years here; I can tell you that I cared about things. I have relied heavily on the Lord throughout my time here. I would pray each day that even if I had the knowledge that he would give me the wisdom to use it. Without wisdom, knowledge doesn’t matter.” Amacker’s daughter Stacey and Justice Court Judge Donald Fail both describe her as the most “Godly woman” that they have ever known.

Attorney Buddy McDonald, said, “There are governmental employees who are helpful and friendly while they consistently work hard to carry out their duties in an efficient manner. They do not get a lot of attention or notoriety, but they are the people who make government work efficiently. Miss Debby is one of those people; she will be missed.”

“I’ve worked with her for many years and she has always been a great employee for the county,” Circuit Court Assistant District Attorney Manya Creel Bryan, said of Amacker.

Amacker was presented with a plaque for her years of service and a large cake to accommodate the crowd of family and co-workers who attended.

Pearl River County Supervisor Patrick Lee said, “I have known her for years and grew up calling her ‘Aunt Debby.’ She is a Godly woman of integrity and we are going to miss her for sure.”

When asked if he would like to give a quote on Amacker at the event, Justice Court Judge John Mitchell, said, “Absolutely, I love Miss Debbie.”