On Jan. 1, Onell Autrey had completed her final assignment as deputy clerk for Dorchester County Circuit Court, dealing with foreclosures and right of redemption matters. Thirty years earlier, she’d enthusiastically accepted her first duties working with land records and child support cases.

When hired, Autrey recalled, she’d been the youngest person working in the Clerk’s office. She was also the first African American to ever hold such a position locally.

Throughout her tenure, she’d felt blessed for the opportunity to use her skills to assist others, and to work alongside people she appreciated and admired.

“I knew from the start that God had chosen me to be there to be of service to this community,” Autrey said, a belief that helped her to always “stay the course, focusing on my purpose.”

Striving to always “push ahead positively for success, whatever the challenges” Autrey is proud of blazing a path forward which other African Americans can follow.

“I gave my best years of dedicated service to the county of Dorchester and the citizens of Cambridge, and I’m forever grateful for being part of this office,” she said.

Having reached retirement, it was time for others to acknowledge Autrey’s vital contributions of going above and beyond assigned duties, meeting daily challenges with faith, humor and steady strength.

During a special ceremony held among her court “family,” Autrey was presented with commendations from Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan and Dorchester County’s Maryland legislative delegation, including Delegates Addie Eckardt, Sheree Sample-Hughes, Christopher T. Adams, and Johnny Mautz.

On Saturday, Jan. 15, family and friends gathered to help Autrey mark her milestone during a festive celebration at American Legion Post 91 in Cambridge.

The room was adorned with elegant black and gold accent touches curated by Autrey herself, a knack developed via the party planning and crafts hobby she’s maintained over the years, Nell’s Creations. Autrey also acted as her own mistress of ceremonies, graciously receiving accolades and blessings from guests eager to share them.

Autrey’s mother, Bernadette Thomas, spoke of pride “that this day has come,” after so many years of hard work. Above all, her daughter was a “good person, with a good heart, who will do anything in her power to help you if she is able.”

Son Dominque lovingly attached his jewelry gift around his mother’s neck. Husband Marzelle, wearing gold to match his wife’s outfit, proclaimed his intention to keep sticking right by her side, whatever the future holds. Niece Honestie Gabbin recited a poem penned by Autrey, while cousin Marvel Deshields remained in constant motion, quietly ensuring that guests were properly taken care of with water, protective masks and gift bags.

Autrey’s Uncle Charles came forward to praise his niece for always stepping up for family, especially during his mother’s illness and passing. The character reflected by her personal and professional lives represented her close connection to church from an early age, he recalled. She’d always heeded any advice he shared, and used her abilities to do and be her best, making her a role mode reflecting “what we should be doing for our kids.”

Guests from Autrey’s personal and professional circles rose to share ways she had helped and inspired them, fulfilling her role in the courthouse and the community with skill and devotion. Many expressed how honored they felt to know her and the belief that wherever her next path led, her dedication to excellence would ensure that it would be equally fruitful.

When it came time for her own remarks, Autrey began by giving “God the glory and honor for this day.” She also thanked her family for continually lifting her up with support. Autrey also credited her late grandmother Berniece, who had raised her, for providing a shining example as a strong, courageous woman who never lost faith to keep going, whatever came her way.

Her court “family” also received wide-ranging gratitude and praise.

“I want to thank (former Dorchester County Circuit Court Clerk) Donna Pyle for seeing something in me and giving me the opportunity that would change my life forever,” Autrey said. She expressed appreciation to each of the three other clerks she had worked with, and Judge Brett Wilson for “your loyalty and dedication to the clerk’s office.”

Munro Smith was acknowledged for “always standing by my side,” as were her coworkers, who “stood together as family, never giving up.” The court’s security and maintenance staff was praised for “all your hard work making sure we were all safe, each and every day.”

Calling it “one of the happiest days of my life,” Autrey maintained faith that a bright future remains ahead of her. While immediate plans include taking it easy for a while, she remains open to following wherever God leads her, she said.

Autrey offered closing words of wisdom and advice to coworkers, urging them to always remember that what they do matters, to appreciate the little things in life and enjoy them, to resist wishing for someone else’s life when you haven’t walked in their shoes, and to value the fact that they’re the only ones who can bring their own unique style and talents to the table.

Expressing joy and gratitude at somehow reaching “this milestone,” she offered thanks to all for 30 memorable years of laughter and challenges. “I’m forever grateful for my career.”