After nearly 26 years serving as Clerk and Master for the DeKalb County Chancery Court, Debra Malone has announced she is retiring on June 27. Malone has served as Clerk and Master since October 1999, but began working in the office as a deputy clerk for former Clerk and Master John Robert Nixon in 1990.

“When I came to work in 1990 as deputy clerk for John I was 32 years old,” Malone reported. “My husband, Miles and I have one son, Granger, who had just turned 5 years old at that time. There were a few challenging times, trying to learn the job, transferring from handwriting everything in books to computers, trying to keep up with all the changes in the laws and proper procedures, but I can truly say I have loved this job. Mr. Nixon was so good to work with, and such a great teacher. He became a great friend to me. John and I had worked together for 9 years when he decided to retire.”

Malone was appointed to the position by Chancellor Vernon Neal. In 2006, Chancellor Neal retired from the bench, and he was succeeded by Chancellor Ronald Thurman, who has announced Nicole Wright has been appointed to a six-year term to succeed Malone.

“I appreciate Chancellor Thurman so much and have enjoyed working with him for 19 years,” said Malone. “He is a very considerate, caring and accommodating person and is always ready to assist us when needed.”

“As I approach my retirement, I realize I won’t be seeing and visiting with many of the people I’ve come to know so well, and that’s sad in many cases. I appreciate the time we’ve spent together. But I’m also preparing for a new phase of life in which clocks and appointments are less important, and the freedom of unscheduled days lies ahead. Thank you, DeKalb County,” said Malone.

Wright will be taking her oath of office Friday at 4 p.m. in Smithville. Wright’s first full day will be Monday, June 30.