I was just talking to a lawyer friend of mine about Martha, and I called her "One of the nicest people in the courthouse."
He disputed that.
"No," he said. "She was THE nicest person in the courthouse."
Martha Phillips was a wonderful person. She never would have owned the word 'feminist,' but she was one. She helped other women wherever she could, and she was unfailingly kind and cordial -- and candid.
I am very sad about her death and will miss her badly.

which is somewhat unusual in the political climate we live in today and a number of elected officials who insist on calling attention to themselves or their claimed accomplishments. A number of people who run courthouse offices or are running for courthouse offices should take notes of how Mrs. Phillips ran a clerk's office in a friendly/user receptive environment and operated without controversy/criticism and generally led an unexamined lifestyle.

A 60 year career at anything is amazing. Don't know her and never met her, but it sure sounds like she was someone who set the public service bar pretty high. The photo of her at the KNS is very sweet. How could you not like her? RIP. Our condolences to her family and friends.

I would just say that she was a lady. A Southern lady. And, you know that means--she was made of steel but would butter your toast when she explained things to you.

I never met Ms.Martha, but my sister works in her office and has always
spoken very highly of her. She was a kind, caring person, who enjoyed
being around people.She treated everyone with respect. She was a woman
we can all look up to. She was who we all want to be when we grow up.
Enjoy your glorious walk down the streets of gold. You will be missed. Little Ms. Martha is at home now.