Gov. Sonny Perdue has accepted the resignation of Effingham County Probate Judge Frances Seckinger, a spokesman for the governor said.

Seckinger submitted her resignation to the governor in mid-March, though the letter was dated Feb.  1, according to Bert Brantley, spokesman for Gov. Perdue. Her resignation was effective March 1 and the duties of the office have been turned over to chief clerk Judy Suhor.

“We responded on March 28, about a week after we received the letter,” Brantley said. “We have to accept it, by state law.”

In a discussion at a February county commissioners’ meeting about a suggestion to merge the duties of the probate and magistrate courts, Suhor told commissioners that Seckinger intended to finish her term of office. The probate judge seat is up for election this year.

Seckinger had been probate court judge for 31 years.

In her letter to Gov. Perdue, Seckinger said, “I feel that it is time to retire in order to devote more time to my family and my medical needs.”

Perdue responded, “I wish you all the best for your future endeavors. Once again, thank you for your service to Effingham County and the State of Georgia.”

With Seckinger’s resignation, Suhor will take over until Dec. 31 and a new probate court judge will be sworn in on Jan. 1. Suhor was not in the office on Monday for comment.

Judge Frances Seckinger’s letter to Gov. Sonny Perdue:
Dear Governor Perdue:
It has been my pleasure to serve as Judge of the Probate Court of Effingham County. However, I feel that it is time to retire in order to devote more time to my family and my medical needs. I now tender my resignation to you effective March 1, 2008.
It is my understanding that pursuant to O.C.G.A. Section 15-9-11.1, my chief clerk, Judy C. Suhor, will discharge the duties of the office until December 31, 2008, at which time the Probate Court Judge elected in November, 2008 will take office January 1, 2009.
Thank you in advance for accepting my resignation.

Gov. Sonny Perdue’s letter to Probate Judge Frances Seckinger:
Dear Judge Seckinger:
Thank you for the service you have rendered as Probate Court Judge of Effingham County. I appreciate you taking the time to apprise me of your resignation, effective March 1, 2008.
Your resignation is hereby accepted, and I wish you all the best for your future endeavors. Once again, thank you for your service to Effingham County and the State of Georgia.