With her staff gathered in the background, Texas County circuit clerk and recorder of deeds Phyllis Staley clutches a plaque honoring her 53 years of service after being presented the award by Circuit Judge Mary Sheffield in a suprise ceremony Dec. 2 in a Justice Center courtroom. The unexpected presentation occurred as Staley, who will retire at the end of the year, was beginning the orientation of a group of potential jurors. The moment brought her to tears.