by Bailey White
Staff Writer
From Hans Tanzler to John Delaney, former mayor’s office receptionist Naomi Glover, who was known for her pleasant and efficient manner, served all five of Jacksonville’s mayors over the last 30 years.
Now, former mayor Jake Godbold is organizing a luncheon to help Glover, who has been struggling with medical bills, house and insurance payments and other obligations since she had to quit working last year.
“She was so good to everybody,” said Godbold. “She was truly dedicated to each mayor she worked for. A lot of people love Naomi and hate to see her doing without the necessities of life. We’ve found that she’s having a very hard time.”
Godbold said during Glover’s first 10 years of service to the City she had part-time/full-time status and wasn’t eligible for a pension plan, which has left her with a meager monthly income. His original intent was to make up for this by raising around $17,000 before she retired, which she planned to do after the upcoming elections.
“But we didn’t have time to do that because she got sick and had to leave early,” he said. “We’re just asking that if anyone wants to donate anything, they can just write her a check.”
The luncheon is scheduled for noon Wednesday at Jackie’s Seafood Restaurant on Main Street. It’s one of Glover’s favorite eateries.
“Whenever she couldn’t get away from the receptionist’s desk,” said Godbold, “she’d always call and ask us to bring her back some fish.”
“Naomi was a fixture in the mayor’s office for so many years and things just haven’t been the same around here since she left,” said Sharon Ashton, Mayor Delaney’s press secretary. “Just the sound of her voice could brighten anyone’s day.”