By Betsy Finklea
The historic Oath of Office ceremony for Dillon County Clerk of Court Marquita Britton on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. at the beautiful Dillon County Courthouse.
Britton is the first African-American woman to hold a countywide office and only the second African-American to hold a countywide office in Dillon County.
The ceremony was a celebratory occasion full of laughter and filled with family, friends, and supporters who came to see this historic swearing in ceremony.
The ceremony started with former Clerk of Court Gwen Hyatt saying “all rise” as Judge James E. Lockemy entered the courtroom for a session of the Court of Common Pleas. Judge Lockemy said this is the first time in over 30 years that a new clerk has taken the oath of office in Dillon County.
Rev. Jared Myers, pastor of McNeil Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, presided over the ceremony.
The opening prayer was given by Pastor Kevin Byrd of the Hamer Church of God. Mrs. Cynthia Pernell, wife of the late Sheriff Douglas “Humbunny” Pernell, recognized the dignitaries in attendance. This was followed by Elder Andre Thompson, who gave a prayer of appeal to the community.
Attorney Shipp Daniel of the Parham Law Firm led off the remarks. Daniel said as an attorney in Dillon County he had worked closely with Britton while she was an assistant in the Clerk of Court’s office and then later when she worked at DJJ. He said two things one knows about Britton is that she will get the job done whatever it is and she will make you smile while she was doing it. Daniel said that Britton had earned the trust of the people of Dillon County for a serious job. He said the clerk touches every sheet of paper that comes through the legal system in Dillon County. He said a county’s judicial system is only as strong as the clerk and her staff.
Daniel praised former Clerk Gwen Hyatt, who served for decades and earned accolades as one of the best clerks in the state. He said Hyatt left “large shoes to fill” for Britton, by the said that there was “no one better suited to fill those shoes of Gwen Hyatt than Marquita Britton.” He said Britton will make Dillon County Proud in this position calling her competent, qualified, and ready to serve.
Pastor Bobby Porter, who is also a detective at the Dillon County Sheriff’s Office, said Britton was determined, qualified, and hard working. He said she will go the extra mile to get things done. He said while Hyatt left big shoes to fill he said that Britton has the heart to do it. He encouraged her to put God first in whatever she does, stay focused, and that God would do the rest.
Latoya Reid, a friend and soror of Britton’s, said that Britton’s victory was a testament to her hard work, dedication, and determination. She said that Britton was fearless and wonderfully made and never backs down in the face of adversity.
Judge James E. Lockemy was the keynote speaker. He recognized the historic nature of the occasion. He praised Hyatt for her 40 years of service in the Clerk’s Office. He said the clerk’s office is the official record of all documents in Dillon County.
Lockemy held a moment of silence for the late Sheriff Douglas Pernell, who almost four years ago to the day, was sworn in at the historic courtroom as Dillon County’s first African-American Sheriff and as the first African-American official to hold a countywide office.
Lockemy spoke about Britton’s responsibilities as the new clerk and gave other remarks before swearing her into office.
Lockemy administered the oath as her grandmother, Betty Whittle, held Britton’s grandfather’s Bible.
Following the swearing in, Dr. Rodney McCorkle of Manning Baptist Church, held special prayer and the ordained pastors present laid hands on Britton.
Hyatt then presented Britton with the keys to the courthouse.
Britton then gave remarks giving honor to God and thanking everyone including her family, friends, supporters, voters, and all of those who worked to help her attain the position of clerk. She said she was eager to roll up her sleeves and go to work. She will strive for transparency, efficiency, and accessibility and to make sure every citizen is seen, heard, and served.
After the ceremony, a reception was held at Manning Baptist Church.
Watch the full ceremony on The Dillon County News, LLC channel on YouTube or on www.dillonnews.org.
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Biography of Marquita Britton
(as printed in the ceremony program)
“Marquita, the daughter of Dean and Valerie Britton, and the granddaughter of Betty Whittle and the Late Chief Deputy Andrew “Deboy” Graves, was reared in Dillon, South Carolina; where notably, she is a proud 2001 graduate of Dillon High School. Academically, Marquita matriculated and pursued higher education at both Morris College in Sumter, SC, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts and Liberty University, obtaining her Master of Arts Degree in Applied Psychology with a Specialization in Developmental Psychology. Professionally, Marquita served as a Probation Officer with the Department of Juvenile Justice – a role that began her career in Criminal Justice; thus, highlighting her commitment to Justice and Community well-being. Additionally, with emphasis on Marquita’s career, let’s include her decade of valuable experience as a General Sessions Clerk within the office of Clerk of Court. It was here that she honed her skills in public service and community engagement in her beloved Dillon County. A woman of deep faith and community spirit, Marquita finds inspiration in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who Strengthens me.” Marquita can be seen actively contributing to her community through her involvement and affiliation which includes: The Dillon-Marion Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated, The Order of Eastern Bright Star of the Valley #217, Daughters #177 and lastly, The Business and Professional Women’s Club of Dillon County. Marquita serves faithfully in many capacities at her church, the historic Manning Baptist Church in Dillon County. Her zeal to assist and support is a reflection not only of her upbringing but a demonstration of her passion for uplifting and empowering those around her. Marquita Britton can now add to her biography that she is the First African American Elected Clerk of Court, and the First African American woman elected to a Countywide Position in Dillon, South Carolina!”
PHOTO GALLERY
Photos by Johnnie Daniels/The Dillon County News, LLC
