By Sterling McGinn

One of Luce County’s longtime and dedicated employees has officially retired after 42 years of service.

Jeanine Stephenson began her career with Luce County in 1981 working first with the Luce County Ambulance Corp. She later became magistrate for the court system and remained in that position until her retirement. Stephenson was recognized for her service at the Luce County Commissioners meeting on Tuesday, March 19. She was presented a certificate by veteran commissioner Nancy Morrison.

“Judge Wood actually hired me,” said Stephenson. She also remembered all the other judges she had worked with throughout the years. “When I started working, there were no computers. We had to do all of our abstracts on the weekends to get them done.”

“I am so grateful to have the opportunity to work with so many great people,” she said.

She was also presented a certificate from Judge Beth Gibson at her retirement at the Elks on Thursday, March 28.

In addition to her legacy, Stephenson is leaving her mark in the county building by donating a large, framed photo that shows the old and new courthouses taken before the old building was demolished. The photo will be displayed alongside another photo donated by former county employee Marie McNamara.