Morris County Congratulates Deborah Scott on Her Retirement

Chief Probate Clerk Retires After 30 Years

The Morris County Board of County Commissioners, Morris County Surrogate Heather Darling, Sheriff James Gannon, County Administrator Deena Leary, and staff honored Deborah Scott today ahead of her Sept. 1 retirement after a distinguished 30-year career with the Morris County Surrogate’s Office.

The longtime county employee was recognized for her decades of public service during a luncheon hosted in the Surrogate’s Office on the 5th Floor of the Administration and Records Building located at 10 Court Street in Morristown.

View Photos from the Retirement Luncheon

“Deborah Scott has cared for thousands of families during the most difficult times of their lives. She has shown to be compassionate in guiding and supporting the Surrogate’s Court’s clients over these many years,” said Surrogate Darling, while presenting a proclamation on behalf of the Surrogate’s Office. “We wish her good luck, continued success, good health and a happy retirement!”

During her 30-year career with the county, Ms. Scott personally prepared, guided, reviewed and approved more than 100,000 estate cases at the Morris County Surrogate’s Office.

“We’re a family here, and you were an integral part of that family. Deborah always showed compassion, which is a true testament to who she is, to this office, and to her work with the county. We’re all going to miss you,” said Commissioner Douglas Cabana, who was joined by Commissioner Director Christine Myers in presenting Ms. Scott with a resolution of honor on behalf of the board.

The probate section of the Surrogate’s office deals with the legal process that follows an individual’s death, including validating wills, distributing assets, identifying a property and aiding in the administration of an estate. It is a very specialized government function, and probate employees must work with grieving families at a difficult time in their lives.

“You dedicated 30 years of service in a challenging environment, making a difference in people’s lives during their most difficult times. Having lost a spouse myself, I understand, in part, what that means. You made life better for people, often in just an hour. While you may not remember everyone you helped, they will always remember you,” said Sheriff Gannon as he presented Ms. Scott with a certificate of recognition from the Morris County Sheriff’s Office.

Ms. Scott began her career on Jan. 3, 1994, when she was hired as a probate clerk under then-Surrogate John Pecoraro (1994-2019). She was promoted to senior probate clerk in 1996 and to principal probate clerk just 18 months later. With her excellent command of probate procedures, she achieved supervising probate clerk in 2004 and became chief probate clerk in 2012. In addition to supervision of the probate clerical staff, Ms. Scott supervised other office support staff and assisted with the day-to-day operations of the Surrogate’s Office.

Ms. Scott’s expertise, professionalism and dedication was evident in her interactions with a wide range of individuals, which included probate clients, legal professionals and court administrators as she skillfully managed a variety of probate cases. She trained probate clerks on new systems and provided probate training to all incoming clerks. Her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic ensured continued public service as she played a key role in modernizing the Surrogate's Office, overseeing the technological transition of thousands of records and contributing to the office's reputation for efficiency and innovation.

“I’m going to miss everybody. I have dedicated my life to the Surrogate’s Court, and I enjoyed working with so many families. My job was very fulfilling. Thank you, everyone,” said Ms. Scott.

Deborah and her husband, the Rev. Herman Scott, who serves as Chaplain of the Morris County Correctional Facility, are true beacons of service in Morris County. The couple supports and contributes to the well-being of everyone around them, improving the lives of residents within the Morris County community and beyond.

Morris County congratulates Deborah Scott for 30 years of dedicated public service. Her contributions to the Surrogate’s Office and the residents she served will be remembered, and we wish her a long and fulfilling retirement!