Just over three years ago, Mary Virga moved to Louisville Ky. from Oxford.
She had spent decades living in Sumter County and 23 years working for the Sumter County Sheriff's Office.
"She started out as my secretary," but pursued and obtained certification in law enforcement, said retired Sumter County Sheriff Jamie Adams.
"She was a great lady. She was very instrumental in helping me get elected," he said.
Virga, 81, died Saturday, Dec. 23, 2017.