After almost 50 years serving York County, she wanted to retire quietly. It didn’t happen
Magistrate Judge Lynne Benfield is believed to have served as a public employee in York County longer than anyone else -- 49 years, six months.
After decades working for the clerk of court and then decades more as a magistrate, Benfield like all South Carolina judges is required to retire at age 72.
She wanted to go out quietly on her last day. But people who appreciate her decades of service threw her a surprise ‘Thank you’ retirement party Thursday.
She received a courthouse ovation at the Moss Justice Center in York where she ran the magistrate’s office.
Benfield said at the reception that she was proud to have served the people, her neighbors and community, for more than 49 years.
“It’s been an honor,” she said.
Of South Carolina state judge mandatory retirement age, Benfield said it’s the rules. She will follow the law as she always has.
“It’s one of those things that I have to do, but I appreciate it and I have enjoyed every minute of it,” Benfield said.
What do magistrates do?
York County has a dozen magistrates. They handle misdemeanor criminal court and lower level civil court. Magistrates set bonds and bail conditions, issue arrest and search warrants, preside over preliminary hearings, and serve other functions.
Benfield served as York County’s chief magistrate for about 20 years of her stretch on the bench. She mentored and trained new magistrates while running her own court. She helped establish a drug court and central DUI court.
In what was an almost all-male field of around 300 magistrate judges in South Carolina when she started, Benfield became and stayed an iconic female judge who blazed a path for other women.
Known for fairness
She was the judge for thousands of trials, pleas, hearings and other functions. York County people went to her court looking for justice and a fair shake. Court and public officials at her retirement celebration Thursday said that is exactly what the people got.
U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman of Rock Hill told the crowd that Benfield’s career has been characterized by fairness and respect for all people.
“She’s fair and she’s honest,” Norman said.
In South Carolina, state senators have the legal authority to nominate magistrate judges. The governor, and then the full senate, confirm magistrates.
S.C. State Sen. Wes Climer said he never received a complaint about Benfield. He heard many times from constituents that Benfield was fair, Climer said.
A replacement for Benfield has not yet been named.
South Carolina, America honor Benfield
Including her time as a clerk’s office employee and her time as judge, officials said Thursday they believe Benfield’s 49-plus years of service makes her the longest serving employee ever in York County.
Climer and Norman presented Benfield with the South Carolina Order of the Palmetto. An honor that can only be given by the governor, it is the state’s highest civilian honor for service to community and state.
Norman said he plans to have Benfields’ career biography and service record read into the Congressional Record on the floor of the House of Representatives at the U.S. Congress.
This story was originally published June 30, 2023 at 3:50 PM with the headline "After almost 50 years serving York County, she wanted to retire quietly. It didn’t happen."
