Correction: John Gunnell, who served as Arkansas County circuit clerk from 1939-1974, was the longest-serving circuit clerk in state history, according to the Arkansas secretary of state’s office. Lincoln County Circuit Clerk Vera Reynolds, who began serving in 1981, was the longest-serving active circuit clerk until her retirement Jan. 1. The secretary of state’s office also notes that current Sharp County Clerk Tommy Estes has served in his position since 1981. His duties include those of circuit clerk, making him the longest-serving active dual-role clerk in the state. A Jan. 1 article about Reynolds incorrectly stated who had been circuit clerk the longest.
STAR CITY -- Lincoln County Circuit Clerk Vera Reynolds answered her office phone Monday morning just as she has done almost every workday since 1981.
As the reluctant guest star of a reception, she apologized for not being able to talk long.
"There is a party going on here for me, but my goodness, I don't see what all the fuss is about," she said in a firm but kind voice that's seasoned with a tinge of gravel and a slight pinch of southern Arkansas drawl.
Reynolds, 71, retires today as the longest-serving circuit clerk in state history, according to the Historical Report of the Arkansas secretary of state's office. The report also notes that current Sharp County Clerk Tommy Estes has served in his position since 1981 as well. His duties include those of circuit clerk.
Reynolds' co-workers, friends and family hosted a retirement party for her Monday afternoon to honor a career of service to the people of Lincoln County. She has worked at the courthouse in various capacities since 1961 and plans to continue as a volunteer at the circuit clerk's office for the near future.
"Working is all I know," she said. "I don't really travel, and I love what I do. I just love being at the courthouse."
Reynolds shunned the spotlight this week but has welcomed the hugs and well wishes that have poured in by the dozens. Those who know Reynolds say that's her nature -- she's a humble, hardworking woman who does her job well and doesn't seek accolades.
"I've just been doing the job the people elected me to do," Reynolds said. "I love the people of Lincoln County, and I can't think of anything I would rather do."
Looking back on her more than three decades as circuit clerk, Reynolds said the biggest challenge has been keeping up with the blistering pace of technology. She has learned to work with computers but prefers not to.
"When I started, we didn't have computers, and things have changed so much," Reynolds said. "I am of the pencil-and-paper variety, you know? It's just what I have always preferred."
Cindy Glover, who is replacing Reynolds, has worked in the circuit clerk's office for 15 years and called her "the best teacher in the world."
"If there are ever any issues, she will be right there to help me take care of it," Glover said. "She has so much knowledge that she can't just go away. She has been through and seen just about everything. The only thing around here we are going to change is the name on the door and moving a little furniture around. Otherwise, we will get the work done like Vera always did."
Sam Stephens, county judge in Lincoln County, also spoke highly of Reynolds, saying "she has done an outstanding job and has run the office well. It's my understanding that we will continue seeing her around the courthouse, even in retirement. I think that's great."
Reynolds' son, Chris Reynolds, said his mother's work ethic rubbed off on him many years ago, and he wasn't surprised when she announced her plans to volunteer at the clerk's office after retiring.
"She has been a tremendous role model," he said. "And you have to think about it, her job isn't a high-profile one. It's not glamorous. Lincoln County is a small, rural area where not too much happens. We are all proud of her."
State Desk on 01/01/2015