Folk, Alexander plan to enjoy retirement
Alexander claiming title of world's best grandmother
By SHARON KERR

Neva Alexander, administrative assistant to Jasper County Judge Joe Folk, has been with him his entire 12 years as judge, and served four years before that with the previous judge Corbit Whitehead.

After almost 40 years in public service for Jasper and Sabine Counties, she is ready to go home "and be the best grandmother in the whole world."

Alexander began her career working as deputy county and district clerk in Sabine County in 1964. When she married

H a r l a Alexander in 1968, he worked for Texas Animal Health Commission, which entailed moving around a lot.

She didn't think it was good for the girls to be changing schools so much so Harlan took a job for less money, but at least the family found a permanent address in Harlan's hometown of Jasper.

To make ends meet, Alexander says, "He began breaking horses for Joe Tonahill. He would get one broke enough that he could snub it up and put me on it and he'd start another one.

"He and I were on two horses and my two girls were on their horses. We got into a yellow jacket nest and they stung me so bad they picked the stingers out of the area around my eyes...Thank goodness the girls' horses got down on their knees but never threw them."

She decided to give up being a cowgirl and find a real job. Sheriff R.C. Powell told her to go see Martin Lindsey about an opening in the tax office, and that's how she became a Jasper county employee in 1970.

Alexander says, "My career with Judge Joe Folk has lasted twelve great years. He's a caring and wonderful boss, a dedicated county judge and a board member on too many boards to even mention. We've been through good times and trying times but we always persevered."

She is looking forward to having time to travel and visit with family. "I have a grandson who will graduate in Modesto, Calif., in June."