Interview by Al Blanton | Image by Blakeney Clouse
The Walker Leader recently visited Walker County Circuit Clerk Susan Odom and learned a bit about her life and career.
WL: How long have you been serving as Walker County Circuit Clerk?
SO: Seventeen Years. I began working in the office on August 13, 1990 and began my first term as Circuit Clerk on January 16, 2007.
WL: What are the duties of your job?
SO: The Circuit Clerk is the chief administrative and fiscal officer for the court system at the district and circuit levels. I am basically the business manager at the trial court level. We maintain the court records and oversee all aspects of jury management. We collect fines, court costs, judgments, etc. We prepare dockets. We are the magistrates for the county. We establish probable cause for officer warrants and requested warrants from our citizens. We prepare appeal cases for all cases appealed to The Court of Civil Appeals, The Court of Criminal Appeals, and the Supreme Court. I conduct Judicial Sales when ordered. We are the public office of the court system. We have a public access computer that people can use to research and follow their cases. I am also an election official for Walker County. I serve as the absentee election manager. I am on the appointing board for poll workers, and I am on the canvassing board.
WL: Tell us about your background and family life.
SO: I graduated from Parrish High School in 1979 and I attended Bevill State Community College. I have had a variety of jobs over the years. During high school, I worked at the Walker County Board of Education as part of my classes at the vocational center. I worked at a wholesale jewelry company in Birmingham, UAB, Burger King, and the Law Office of Laird and Wiley. Then, in 1990, I started in the Circuit Clerk’s office. I helped my husband, Darryl Odom, and his family start Odom Construction Company, Inc.
I was born on the Navy base in Charleston, South Carolina. My Dad, Maxwell Fikes, was born and raised in Oakman, and my mom, Ouida Douglas Fikes, was born and raised in Parrish. Dad spent 20 years in the Navy, retiring as an E9 Master Chief Petty Officer. Mom retired with more than 30 years for the U.S. Postal Service in Parrish and Jasper. When Dad retired, we moved to Parrish, where I started fifth grade. Before moving here, Walker County was always our vacation destination. I was always so excited to see all my family. As far back as I can remember, Walker County was always special to my parents, and that always made it special to me.
I married Darryl on December 30, 1981. We have two children. Craig Odom graduated from Walker High School in 2003 and Faulkner University. He is married to Crystal, and they have a son, Gabe. Kristin Odom McGuff graduated from Walker High School in 2007 and The University of Alabama. She is married to Josh McGuff, and they have two sons, Jack and Connor. They all live in Northport.
Darryl loves to restore cars, and we spend a lot of time going to car shows. We have won many awards and have been in several magazines. We have also restored vintage campers and enjoy going to vintage camper rallies when we can.
I love to travel and am ready for a road trip whenever possible. I have had the opportunity to live in and visit different states. People have issues everywhere. Walker County may not always be perfect for everyone, but it is perfect for me. It is home.
WL: What is your favorite thing about living in Walker County?
SO: I love the sense of belonging and being part of a community. When I go places, there seems to always be a friend or family member there, too.
WL: What is one thing folks should know about you?
SO: I am so grateful to everyone in Walker County for allowing me to be their Circuit Clerk. This position is not about me; it is about Walker County. I care deeply about my family, my job, and what I do for Walker County.
