Four decades of public service in the Trigg County Court system will end in August as Circuit Court Clerk Pam Perry retires.
Perry began her work in 1975 under Clerk Dan Thomas. Three years later the state overhauled the court system, replacing local city court with district and circuit courts.
She said working with and helping the public hold some of her best memories on the job.
click to download audioPerry was appointed circuit court clerk in 2002 when Pat Wallace retired. She has been elected to three six-year terms since. She said there are some barriers she has had to work through in dealing with the public in a county that has an aging population.
click to download audioPerry’s office also had to work through unprecedented challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic when justice centers across the state were closed and court proceedings were held virtually through technology.
click to download audioPerry was grateful for her staff during the past 19 years as circuit court clerk. It’s an office that is responsible for managing the records, lawsuits, and legal documents of the courts, helping conduct trials, maintaining the jury system, and issuing driver licenses and identification cards.
The state has announced plans to remove the driver’s licensing section from the circuit clerk’s office in the coming years. Perry said her replacement will likely deal with court-only business moving forward.
click to download audioPerry said she looks forward to the next chapter in her life which involves her family.
click to download audioJudge C.A. Woodall will select Perry’s replacement. If they haven’t already, that person will have to pass a state examination first. A special election will be held next year to fill the remainder of Perry’s term that ends in 2024. The circuit court clerk carries a six-year term that ends in 2030.
A retirement reception for Perry will be held July 12 from 5-7 at the Renaissance Center.
