by Bailey White
Staff Writer
Friends of former mayoral receptionist Naomi Glover gathered Wednesday for a luncheon in her honor at Jackie’s Seafood. The event drew four of the five mayors Glover worked for, and friends who wanted to offer their support for Glover as she struggles to make ends meeting during a difficult time.
“She’s fallen on hard times,” said former mayor Jake Godbold. “She is a very special person to me and I would never let her do without.”
Glover was forced to retire late last year when she developed cancer and has struggled to cover rising medical costs and day-to-day living expenses.
Godbold, one of the event’s major organizers, joined former mayors Hans Tanzler, Ed Austin and Tommy Hazouri [Mayor John Delaney was unable to attend] to celebrate Glover’s work for the City and to raise funds to help her deal with difficult financial times.
“She treated everyone equally,” said Godbold. “She was so good to everybody who came through the office.”
Friends and former colleagues say her presence at City Hall is greatly missed.
“She was the gate keeper,” said mayoral candidate Mike Weinstein, who has had much contact with Glover during his years with the City. “She made sure everyone who came to see the mayor was well taken care of.”
Community activist Ed Holt agreed.
“You might attempt to leave the office disappointed, but she made sure that you didn’t,” said Holt.
At the party, friends and former colleagues dined on fried fish and grits, some of Glover’s favorites foods, and her former bosses paid tribute to her.
“She transcends parties and personalities,” said Hazouri. “She was a friend while I was working and she is a friend so many years later.”
Glover, who called the party “overwhelming,” said her system to maintain neutrality is what made such a good receptionist.
“I learned to see and not see, and to hear and not hear,” she said.