CUMMING — On July 30, Banks Stubbs & McFarland LLP celebrated the 25-year anniversary of office manager Valerie Stone’s employment with the local law firm.

Stone was hired by partner Beau Stubbs in 1990 and has served as his secretary or the firm’s office manager ever since.

Before locating in Cumming in the 1970s, Stone was a “Navy brat” who lived all over the world during her youth.

After settling down in Forsyth, she began work as an assistant clerk of court under Cecil McClure. She then worked in the Solicitor’s Office for the late Stan Gault, following him to the State Court when he was elevated to the bench.

After a brief entrepreneurial foray, she was hired by Beau Stubbs. Co-workers say her expertise, experience, loyalty and good cheer have made her one of the firm’s assets, and it has been extremely lucky to have her all these years.

She resides on Lake Lanier with her husband, Bill Stone.