1/24/08
Courthouse Vet
After 23 years, Geddings is ready to wield the gavel
By Cathy Gilbert

She has been employed as the deputy probate judge as well the associate probate judge and has served under three of the county’s finest and wisest judges.

With Judge Barney Lee Morris’ announcement that she would not seek re-election as Judge of Probate this year, longtime courthouse veteran Kathy Geddings has announced that she intends to seek the top probate position.

“It is with some mixed emotions that I make this announcement as I will greatly miss Judge Morris,” Geddings said in a prepared statement. “I have come to know and respect her and now count her as one of my closest friends. Her warm compassion and exemplary moral character stands as a fine example not just for myself, but for everyone who is lucky enough to know her.”

In Clarendon County, probate judges are responsible for the determination of the validity of wills, enforcement of the provisions of valid wills and supervision of the equitable distribution of the assets of persons who die without a valid will. Probate judges may also deal with conservatorships, guardianships, issuing marriage licenses and performing marriages.

Geddings has been a courthouse fixture for 23 years. She came to work in the Judge of Probate’s office in 1985 when the office was created and Julien Weinberg was made judge. Prior to that time, Geddings had worked as Judge Weinberg’s secretary.

She continued to serve under Judge Ralph Cothran who promoted her to her current position of Associate Probate Judge.

As an associate judge, Geddings is fully empowered to hear and decide cases with the same authority as the Probate Judge.

“I have been able to receive the same training as a probate judge through continuing legal education seminars,” Geddings noted. “It is this training, coupled with my experience that I believe makes me uniquely qualified to be the next Probate Judge of Clarendon County.”

Geddings said that being elected to the position would assure a smooth transition as Judge Morris retires.

“The citizens of Clarendon County will continue to receive the quality assistance that has been in force in the office since its creation 23 years ago.”

Geddings has lived in Manning since 1965 and graduated from Manning High School in 1969. She attended Winthrop College. She has been married to Horton McDowell “Mac” Geddings for 37 and the couple has two children and two grandchildren.

She is a graduate of the 2006 Leadership Clarendon and is a member of the S.C. Association of Probate Judges and the Clarendon Pilot Club. She is a member of Home Branch Baptist Church where she has taught Sunday school for over 20 years.