Judicial Branch Mourns Loss of Two Employees From Appellate Court Clerk’s Office

The Tennessee Judiciary is mourning the recent loss of two employees from the Appellate Court Clerk’s Jackson Office. 

Mia Ladonna Myles passed away after a brief illness on April 3, 2021, in Jackson, at the age of 54. She served as a deputy clerk in the Appellate Court Clerk’s Office Western Division. She began working for the State of Tennessee in 1993 and the Appellate Court Clerk’s Office in 1996. She would have celebrated her 25th anniversary in the clerk’s office in October. Ms. Myles earned a graduate degree in strategic leadership and liberal arts from the University of Memphis in 2007. She was a graduate of Jackson Central-Merry High School.

Dorsey Lazenby passed away after an accident on April 5, 2021, at the age of 61. She served as a staff clerk in the Appellate Court Clerk’s Office Western Division, a position she held since 2005. She began working for the State of Tennessee in 1996. She had just celebrated her 25th year of service with the state and would have celebrated her 16th year with the Appellate Court Clerk’s Office in July. Ms. Lazenby lived in Williston and was a graduate of Fayette Ware Comprehensive High School.

“We are heartbroken by the sudden passing of these long-serving and valued members of our team,” said Jim Hivner, Clerk of the Appellate Courts. “We send our sincere condolences to their families and loved ones at this difficult time. Our team in Jackson is small and close-knit and have been working together for many years. Mia and Dorsey were both kind, dedicated, and vibrant individuals and will be dearly missed.”

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.