Retiring Juvenile Court Judge Suzanne Bailey, center, smiles alongside her brother, Maury County Mayor James Bailey, left, and nephew, General Sessions Judge Lee Bailey, second from left. New Juvenile Court Judge Rob Philyaw, right, enjoys the exchange as others gather at the East Third Street courts building for the retirement ceremony Monday.The crowd inside Hamilton County Juvenile Court swelled to more than 75 people Monday afternoon.
They turned out to honor a woman who has presided over this court over the past 23 years and seen changes few anticipated.
As retiring Juvenile Court Judge Suzanne Bailey shook hands and posed for pictures on her next-to-last day on the job, a colorful symbol of her work stood not 20 feet away.
Waist-high walls separate the court waiting area from the “Kidde Corner,” a place decorated with book covers such as Dr. Seuss, Curious George and the Berenstain Bears.
It’s exactly what the judge has strived for in all her programs all her years with the court — something practical that also helps children.