By Matt Smith
Cleburne Times-Review
CLEBURNE, Texas — Johnson County Judge Roger Harmon, the county commissioners and other officials on Monday paid tribute to longtime Johnson County Juvenile Probation Officer Beverly Earl, who recently retired after 33 years with the county. Earl also served as a case manager for truancy cases working closely with the county’s for justice of the peace judges.
Harmon called Earl’s retirement bittersweet.
“Beverly is a fine lady,” Harmon said. “You won’t meet a more kind, Christian lady. She’s tops in my opinion. I thank her for her many years of service to the county, know she’s looking forward to retirement but also know we’re all going to miss her.”
County Commissioner Larry Woolley agreed.
“Beverly is professional, dedicated and always has a smile on her face,” Woolley said.
Juvenile Services Director Lisa Tomlinson characterized Earl as the go to person and soul of the department, a woman who knows everyone throughout the county and who has worked every facet of the department over the years.
Tomlinson said Earl looks the same now as she did in 1982. Commissioner Rick Bailey joked that Earl must have began her career when she was 12.
Earl said she works about a block from where she was born and said she was humbled by Monday’s turnout of well wishers.
“I love you all,” Earl said. “I am honored to have worked here all these years. I love my county and this is my county.”
The history combo
Cleburne resident Jack Carlton served as the county’s historian until his death last year.
Johnson County Historical Commission Chairman John Percifield called Carlton the go to person for people wanting to know anything about the county.
Percifield on Monday asked commissioners to name a new county historian.
“As our county grows so too does interest in our county and tourism,” Percifield said.
Commissioners named not one but two county historians tapping Cleburne residents Mollie Mims and Randolph Garner for the honors.
Mims has authored two books on Johnson County and one of Cleburne.
Mims said that even though her family has only been in the area since 1951, she is fascinated with the county’s history.
Garner joked that he’s not a true Cleburnite as he’s only been here for 50 years.
“I think history is incredibly important and I love it,” Garner said. “I think we have a wonderful country, a magnificent state and a pretty good county too. Let’s don’t forget it.”