By Angela Jones
A reception was held at 3 p.m. Friday afternoon, Aug. 26, at the Benton County Courthouse in Camden for retiring Benton County Trustee Sherry Beasley. After 24 years as trustee, and a total of nearly 40 years working at the courthouse, Beasley is saying goodbye.
Her last official day in office will be Wednesday, Aug. 31. On Thursday, Sept. 1, Beverly Baker Beal will be sworn into office as Benton County’s newly elected Benton County Trustee. Prior to Beasley’s initial election in 1998, all county trustees had been men.
Before the assembled crowd on Friday afternoon, Benton County Mayor Brett Lashlee read a proclamation commemorating Beasley’s lengthy term as trustee. Beasley smiled shyly, standing beside Lashlee, as he proclaimed the highlights of her life and professional deeds in service to the people of Benton County.
Beasley was presented with a framed copy of the proclamation, along with a seal of the county carved in local cherry wood by Dan Miller. Her former boss, prior Trustee G.W. Patterson, spoke in her honor, noting that young Beasley was a great addition to the Trustee’s office staff when she came to work there part time so many years ago.
After the remarks from her colleagues and friends, Beasley was characteristically brief, noting that she has treasured her time in office, as it has been her honor to serve Benton County for so many years. She stated that she truly will miss her courthouse family and all of the dear friends she has made there during her tenure in the trustee’s office. She thanked everyone for coming to wish her well.
From a grateful Benton County, to Mrs. Beasley we genuinely can say thank you for your outstanding dedication to Benton County and its citizens for all of the years that you have served. Best wishes for a wonderful retirement!
Anyone who would like to view the reception can do so by visiting the link at https://youtu.be/jeJDlTHD9sk.
