One to Retire, the Other Continues to Serve

 

Sisters Theresa Farris and Cinnamon Archibald are the only pair of sisters to serve in the State of Texas, and Freestone County, as Justice of the Peace and they have done so, side by side in the same building, for the past nearly 11 years.

Their family moved to Fairfield in 1976, when Cinnamon was only 9 months old; and both sisters graduated from Fairfield High School, Theresa in 1982 and Cinnamon in 1994.

Theresa was first sworn in as Justice of the Peace, Pct. 1, on January 1, 2007, and has served in that capacity since. Prior to running for the position, she served as District Chief Deputy Clerk for twelve years.

“I ran for office of JP 1 because I felt that I could make a bigger difference as Justice of the Peace,” she said.

Theresa explained that her favorite part of the job is helping the citizens of Freestone County with their problems and issues, and the worst part is working civil cases, because someone always leaves angry.

“There is nothing I would change about this job,” she said. “People always think the death inquests are the hardest, but in reality, we are there to figure out what happened and to assist the family in any way we can.”

Cinnamon was sworn in for her first term on January 1, 2015. When asked what inspired her to run for the position of JP 3, she explained, “Honestly, watching my sister do the job. I always found it all so interesting and thought I might be able to make a little difference.”

She went on to say, “My late husband and I had discussed it, and after he passed, I decided I would go for it!”

For her, the best part of the position is the ability to help citizens. “We learn so much doing this job and can pass along the information to others,” she said.

Her least favorite part is not always being able to give the citizens what they want. “There are times we rule in a way that does not benefit them, and they usually leave unhappy,” she explained. However, she said there is absolutely nothing she would change about the job.

Cinnamon thanks her family, husband Justin Gonzales, and children for supporting her and for being so understanding when she can’t go to certain places because she is on call or must leave early because of a call out.

“I do also give a lot of credit to my sister, Theresa, for teaching me along the way,” she said.

She wants citizens to know that her door is always open, and she will do her best to help in any way she can, legally of course. Her primary goal is to help and serve. As a side note, Cinnamon also currently serves as Municipal Court Judge for the City of Streetman.

As for Theresa, she credits her parents, Mary and Louis Quinn for teaching her about good work ethics, kindness, and love.

In September, she gave notice of her intention to retire, originally set for October 15, 2025, but she has adjusted that date to October 31, at 5:00 p.m. In her letter to Commissioners, she stated that her reason for retirement at this time is so she can better care for her husband, Donnie Farris.

“Serving as Justice of the Peace has been a privilege,” she said. “Serving as a problem solver and a resource for my community. I have always tried to be fair to the best of my ability because I knew it affected lives. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to work alongside all the agencies, jailers, dispatchers, and emergency personnel.”

As for working with her sister, Theresa said, “Working with Cinnamon has been a privilege. I was so excited when she became JP 3 because I knew she is a go-getter and would work well with me. Serving together has strengthened not only our bond as sisters, but also our commitment to justice and public service.”

“I have enjoyed working with my sister,” exclaimed Cinnamon. “For two sisters, the oldest of the family and the youngest, I thought it would be more difficult working in the same building by ourselves, but it has really been a pleasure working together. We have gotten much closer in the last 10-plus years, and I appreciate everything she has done for me. It will not be the same without her here, but she has definitely earned her retirement!”

Congratulations to Judge Farris on her retirement and a big ‘THANK YOU’ to both sisters for their service to Freestone County!

(submitted photo)