Brenda Whitfield, who is retiring at the end of this year, has worked in the legal system since the 1960s.

She has worked with judges since the early 1990s, first with the late Superior Court Judge C. Michael Roach, then in Forsyth County for a few years before coming into Mills’ office as his judicial assistant.

“I feel like God placed me here, and I’ve been fortunate to have good judges to work for,” she said.

She first started working in an attorney’s office at 17 years oldand took a 15-year break after having children.

Whitfield is a lifelong Cherokee County resident. After she retires, she hopes to spend more time with her 10 grandchildren.

She will retire at the same time as Mills, whom she has worked for since 2004.

“When you work with somebody, you really get to know them, and Judge Mills is a good person. He’s been very, very good to work for,” she said.

Whitfield has also enjoyed working with people she comes in contact with through her job.

“I really like people, and this is my social life. It’s been a really fun job,” she said.