Today, I want to continue writing about the people whom I enjoy knowing and whom I've come to know while working here.

With that, I'm going to write about the special ladies at the Butler County Courthouse, in particular, the women of the Sheriff's Office, Tax Collector's office and Tax Assessor's office.

First, you have Denise Davis and Renee in the sheriff's office.

These are the ladies you usually deal with when you have business there.

It has never failed that when I need something or need to get in touch with a deputy or the sheriff, they make sure it happens pretty quickly.

That can be a pretty stressful job, I imagine because they know the deputies and sheriff are out and about in harm's way, and they're in the office not really sure what is happening in the field.

But you'd never know it.

They remain calm and collected, and they've never failed to greet me with a smile.

That's important to me.

Just down the hall from the sheriff's office is the office of the Honorable Carolyn Middleton, Butler County Tax Assessor.

Carolyn always takes time to talk.

Sometimes we discuss official business, but she is always quick to ask how I or my family is doing.

And believe it or not, Carolyn is actually a very funny lady.

I love her sense of humor. I'm forever picking on her about her age or her out collecting for the United Fund.

I won't relay that story here, but ask her about it sometimes.

Also in that office is Rebecca Till.

Now this lady can be hilarious, and I only wish I was talented enough to describe her facial expressions she can get.

They range from shock to "You've got to be kidding me?"

I think people who go in that office on official business probably enjoy their time there as much as I do.

On your way out of the courthouse, you need to stop in and see the ladies in the office of the Honorable Belle Peavey, Tax Collector.

She, Deborah and Miss Shelby really brighten my visits to the courthouse.

We always laugh about something they've heard, or they'll be interested in a story I had.

And I'll be honest with you, the sexual predator package we ran back in May was an idea that I got from talking to Belle.

The morning after mom died, the first person to try to call me was Carolyn Middleton.

The second was Belle Peavey.

I knew they and everyone in their offices were praying for us because they are good Christian women.

Two things I'll never forget is Carolyn saying, "No one loves you like your momma," and Miss Shelby, "I want you to know that I've lost a dear friend."

Finally, you have the Honorable Diane Harris.

As many of you know, Diane and my mom were friends from childhood.

My mom used to say that she knew Diane didn't lie, cheat or steal anything in her life because she knew the way she was brought up and that was similar to her own.

The sheriff was there for my family through our darkest days, and she has continued to be there.

All of these ladies have, but now in hindsight I realize they were doing what they've always done.

They're caring, genuine people, and they serve the public.

But along the way, they brighten the day of an editor who will always be proud to call them his friends.

Jay Thomas is managing editor of the Greenville Advocate and can be reached at 334-383-9302, ext. 136 or via email at jay.thomas@greenvilleadvocate.com.