By Evan Belanger
EVANB@CULLMANTIMESCOM

There was hardly a seat nor a dry eye left in the house as friends, family and co­workers gathered in a Cullman County courtroom Tuesday to sendoff a friend.

More than 300 people turned out Tuesday for out­going Probate lodge Betty Brewer's retirement party – presenting
her with kind words and gifts.

Brewer has been with the probate office for 30 years and was elected as Cullman’s first female probate judge in 2000.

Deciding not to run for re-election last year, she will be replaced on the bench by Democrat Leah Patterson­Lust.

"I'd like to thank you all for being here. I’m going to miss all of you very much, but I'm not going to cry," Brewer said with tears in her eyes.

During her speech, Brewer also thanked all of her current and past employees and co-workers, the voters of Cullman County for allowing her to serve, her family and all the Cullman attorneys she has worked with.

In a Hollywood roast-fashion, a number of guests spoke on their experiences with Brewer over the years, including attorney Tim Culpepper.

"I remember this one time when she ruled against me," Culpepper said. "She pulled me aside and said 'Tim I'm so sorry, but I have to rule against you.'

"I think I ended up com­forting her."

Other speakers included Brewer's long-time friend in the courthouse, Circuit Court Clerk Robert Bates.
"I could always go by and see her," he said, "and she would tell me stuff like if I needed a haircut or whatever."

Still other speakers included former Probate Judge Tom Burleson, who gave the details on a number of pranks he and Brewer and County employees had played on each other over the years.

Former Chief Probate Clerk Kathy Swan read a poem she had written about Brewer.

"She deserves some rest and relaxation. Good luck, Betty," Swan said.

Current Chief Clerk Tammy Brown thanked Brewer's family for “doing without her for the good of the county for so many years.”

This article originally appeared in the Wednesday, Jan. 10 edition of The Cullman Times.