Sorrell sets sights on Probate judge position

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Manning native and 1981 Laurence Manning Academy graduate Margaret “Peggi” Jackson Sorrell is one of two candidates vying for the position of Clarendon County Probate judge in Tuesday’s Democratic Primary. Sorrell currently serves as the deputy probate judge to two-term judge Kathy Geddings, who declined to run for a third term. She received a bachelor’s degree in political science in 1985 from the College of Charleston and earned a juris doctor degree from the University of South Carolina Law School in 1988. “I believe I am the best choice for Probate judge because I have been a practicing attorney,” she said. “That has given me exposure to hearings, to the South Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure and to the South Carolina Probate Code.” Sorrell said her law background gives her an understanding of deeds of distribution and the laws of intestacy. “I understand the rules of evidence,” she said. “I also believe that I have learned how to run this office and keep the records, keep the accountings and books and how to keep the marriage and mental health records.” In her first time running for public office, Sorrell said she chose to run to offer a seamless transition from the current administration. “I have the knowledge and the energy to do this job,” she said. “I believe I have the social skills to provide excellent customer service to the public. I want to carry on the tradition of public service that is woven through the fabric of my family.” Sorrell is no stranger to the campaign trail. Her mother, Margaret Jackson, served as Clarendon County treasurer for 23 years and also served on Clarendon County Council. “From her, I have learned to ask people for their votes; she has told me a lot about who people are (and) where they live,” Sorrell said. “An important skill I’ve learned from her is to concentrate my efforts on people I can reach and whose votes I can win, and to know when to give up on an idea.” Sorrell said in her current role with the court she helps with all matters of Probate. “Probate handles the probating of wills and the estates of intestate deceased persons,” she said. “The court appoints personal representatives to handle deceased persons’ estates. This court handles appointing and overseeing guardianships and conservatorships of incapacitated persons.” The court also issues and preserves marriage licenses. “We issue detention orders for mentally ill or chemically dependent persons to be evaluated at the local emergency room,” Sorrell noted. “This is done only after we receive an affidavit from someone who has been to our local Department of Mental Health and has gotten an affidavit from a counselor there.” She said the office maintains these records “indefinitely, all on paper and many on computer.” A member of the Presbyterian Church at Manning, she attends Indiantown Presbyterian Church, where her husband, Mike, is pastor. She is a member of the South Carolina Bar Association, the South Carolina Probate Judges’ Association, the Clarendon County Historical Society and Museum Society. She is a Paul Harris Fellow, formerly having been a member of the Manning Rotary Club. She is a prospective member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and has volunteered to organize a book club at the Harvin Clarendon County Library later this month. She said she has enjoyed the campaign process. “It has allowed me the opportunity to go places I’ve never been and meet people I would not have met otherwise,” she said. “It has been a unique and wonderful event in my life. I believe I am a great choice for Probate judge. I will make you proud and I will serve you with integrity and energy and creativity and compassion. I will put my education and experience to work for you.” Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday in Clarendon County. Absentee voting may be completed at Clarendon County Voter Registration and Elections on Sunset Drive until 5 p.m. Monday, and the office will be open for special hours from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday to take absentee ballots. EDITOR'S NOTE: The preceding story previously ran in The Manning Times and on manninglive.com June 9. It is reprinted here today in the lead-up to Tuesday's Democratic Primary. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday. Precincts may be found at manninglive.com/2016/06/09/precincts-june-democratic-primary.