Phyllis Staley
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 2010. The unexpected presentation occurred as Staley was beginning the orientation of a group of potential jurors. The moment brought her to tears. Sheffield is an appeals judge now. Credit: HOUSTON HERALD ARCHIVES

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Brad Gentry, a fifth-generation Texas County resident and University of Missouri journalism graduate, is the former publisher of the Houston Herald. He has served on boards, led downtown revitalization...