LIBERTY COUNTY, FL – After more than three decades of dedicated civil service in Liberty County, Vanell Bailey Summers bids farewell as she embarks on her well-deserved retirement. Vanell’s remarkable journey began at the Liberty County Assisted Living Facility, where she spent three years before transitioning to a career in education.

Vanell’s tenure in the Liberty County School System spanned ten years at Bristol Elementary School and W.R. Tolar School, where she served as a kindergarten teacher, lunchroom cashier, and front office staff member. Known for spearheading numerous technological advancements during the 1990s and early 2000s, Vanell left an indelible mark on the county’s educational landscape.

With a deep interest in the court of law, Vanell transitioned to the role of deputy clerk of the court, where she officiated, legalized, and notarized countless marriages, as well as handled divorce proceedings for the community.

For the past nearly eight years, Vanell has been an integral part of the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office, working under the leadership of Sheriff Buddy Money and Sheriff Eddie Joe White. Her contributions were instrumental in securing grants, such as the STOP grant for victims of domestic violence and the SMART grant for monitoring sex offenders in the county, two grants written by Mrs. Summers.

In recognition of her thirty years of dedicated service, the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office hosted a retirement luncheon on April 19th at Mr. and Mrs. Dale Hobby’s Barn. Sheriff Buddy Money presented Vanell with the prestigious Golden Eagle award in honor of her exemplary service.

Attendees at the luncheon included friends, family, colleagues, and community members, as well as representatives from the school system, clerk’s office, emergency management, and the sheriff’s office and county jail.

Vanell is looking forward to spending her retirement on her farm in Estiffanulga with her husband, Jake Summers, where they raise Florida Cracker cows, blue Orpington chickens, and Christian grandchildren. Her legacy of service and dedication will leave a lasting impact on the Liberty County community.