Cockrell sworn in to Town Council among family and friends

It was a family affair as Lori Athey Cockrell was sworn in to fill the unexpired town council term of newly-elected Mayor Eugene Tewalt on Tuesday afternoon, January 21, in Warren County Courthouse Circuit Courtroom B.

Present was a large contingent of family and friends, including brother Clay Athey who preceded her on council prior to his election to the Virginia House of Delegates and subsequent judicial appointments. Sister Kim, also a judge after a career like Clay as an attorney, was stuck in traffic on the way from Richmond.

Administering Cockrell’s oath of office was niece Sarah Jackson, a deputy clerk in the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office, as Cockrell’s great niece and Jackson’s daughter Saige, 6, held the Bible upon which the new councilman swore her oath with husband Ricky by her side. During the interview process Cockrell told the media she was poised to retire from her career in county public education and would have the time to devote to the duties of elected office in her hometown. She will face election to hold her appointed seat next November.

The swearing in took place at about 5:15 p.m., giving Cockrell less than two hours to adjust to her role as more than a citizen observer and councilperson-elect at a scheduled 7 p.m. work session.

A family affair: Lori A. Cockrell is sworn in by niece and Deputy Clerk Sarah Jackson as great niece Saige Jackson holds Bible and husband Ricky looks on. Royal Examiner Photos/Roger Bianchini

It was all smiles following the swearing in ceremony.