A Manning native confirmed by the state Senate earlier this year for an open position as a Clarendon County Magistrate judge will reach the county’s top position in that office starting Friday.
State Supreme Court Chief Justice Jean Toal signed an order dated July 22 designating Judge Janice L. Coney to be interim chief judge for administrative purposes for the Summary Courts of Clarendon County.
Toal’s order promotes Coney to the position of interim chief magistrate judge through Dec. 31. Coney fills the position of longtime Chief Magistrate Percy Harvin, who is retiring Friday.
Coney was confirmed earlier this year to fill the position of former Judge William Geddings, who had to retire due to state laws mandating a 72-year-old limit for judges.
Sen. Kevin Johnson, D-Manning, who nominated Coney for the Magistrate’s Office, said he is confident in her abilities.
A graduate of Manning High School, Coney has a bachelor’s and master’s degree in computer information systems from Strayer University.
She was employed with the U.S. Department of Commerce in Washington, D.C., for many years, until her return to Clarendon County in 2002. She was then employed as an ombudsman for long term care for Santee Lynches Regional Council of Governments.
She also has a master’s degree in religion and Biblical studies, and has worked as an adjunct instructor for Central Carolina Technical College and Florence Darlington Technical College. She is a licensed foster parent.
