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- [S74] Atchley Funeral Home Records, Volume IV, 1987-1999, Larry D. Fox, (Smoky Mountain Historical Society), 26 Sep 1996.
Samuel Hobart Maples obituary
- [S106] The Mountain Press, 19 Dec 2005.
Court clerk to retire
By: Craig Mintz December 19, 2005
SEVIERVILLE - You won't see Sevier County Circuit Court Clerk Janette Layman-Ballard setting out re-election posters next year. She announced her retirement Thursday after more than a decade on the job.
"I knew when it was time to run and I know when it's time to go," she said.
Layman-Ballard, who was elected to her post in 1994, said she wanted to spend more time with her retired husband, Eddie, and dust off her old golf clubs.
Before becoming Circuit Court Clerk, she worked several years in the courthouse in the Trial Justice Court - now General Sessions Court - and as a part-time assistant to Judge Ray L. Reagan. She began her work at the courthouse in 1966 working in the property assessor's office.
On Jan. 13, 2003, she announced her intent to run for Circuit Court Clerk with aspirations to computerize and modernize operations.
"I felt I could make a difference," she said.
Layman-Ballard said she would miss everyone who worked for her.
"They haven't been just employees; they've been friends," she said
Her employees felt the same way.
"We're going to miss her very much," said Gwen Hicks. "We love her."
"She can't be replaced," said Teri Parton.
Kathy McGill said it is rare to have a boss who will pray with you, cry with you and support you.
"She has been like a mother figure," she said.
Layman-Ballard's retirement will be effective Sept. 1 when a newly elected clerk will take over.
The only potential candidate who has picked up a petition for the 2006 election so far is her current chief deputy, Jan Todd.
Layman-Ballard said she had also heard rumors of other people who might run for the office.
Her son, Steven Layman, is director of the Sevier County Juvenile Facility. Her stepson, Matt Ballard, is general manager of Sevier County Utility District.
* cmintz@themountainpress.com
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