Lynnethia Robinson set a goal of becoming Dallas County Circuit Clerk 11 years ago.

The dream became reality Friday morning as Robinson was sworn in by Dallas County Circuit Court Judge Bob Armstrong at the Dallas County Courthouse. Tears ran down Robinson’s face during the entire 30-minute ceremony.

When Robinson worked in the Dallas County Clerk office in 2007, she decided one day to seek the position. Robinson was eventually laid off a few years later, but she never gave up on that goal.

Strong-Ratcliff retired after a 17-year run as Circuit Clerk on Jan. 31. In the June 5 Primary Election, Robinson defeated Christmas Green-Williams 5,597 votes to 4,892. Green-Williams was appointed to serve the remainder of Strong-Ratcliff’s term on Feb. 1.

an honor for Robinson. Her parents, Leonard and Cynthia Robinson and her 15-year-old son, Jeremy Robinson, all sat beside her during the ceremony.

Other family members were also present.

“It means a lot to succeed Strong-Ratcliff,” Robinson said. “For her to support me during the election means something to me.”

Robinson knows succeeding Strong-Ratcliff will be tough, but she’s ready for the challenge.

“I have big shoes to fill, but I’m confident I can fill them,” Robinson said. “It was never about me. It’s about my vision of making the Dallas County Circuit Clerk office one of the best. I can’t wait to get in. Together, we will get it done.”

Robinson was officially welcomed into the Dallas County family with hugs from Dallas County Attorney Michael Jackson, Dallas County probate judge-elect Jimmy Nunn, Dallas County Sheriff-elect Mike Granthum, Dallas County Court Services Executive Director Miah Jackson and Dallas County Circuit Court judges Armstrong, Marvin Wiggins and Collins Pettaway Jr.

Nunn spoke on behalf of current Dallas County probate judge Kim Ballard.

“Together, we will elevate Dallas County to another level,” Nunn said.

Michael Jackson called Robinson ‘’a generation of new leaders in Dallas County.”