Barbara Luke will retire from the Vicksburg City Clerk’s Office this week with 35 years of service to her credit, but she was reluctant to make any big speeches during a reception Monday at City Hall before her family, friends and co-workers.

“I just want to thank everyone here for being my family away from home for all these years,” she said. “I’ve seen a lot of people come and go, but yet we’ve all sustained through everything.”

About 30 people were on hand to congratulate Luke on her retirement, including her three sons, Mark, Kenneth and Brian, and her four grandchildren, Katlin, Chandler, Haden and Kinsley — aged 17 months to 9.

“This is what’s going to keep me going,” Luke said while holding Kinsley, her youngest grandchild.

Luke’s last day in the city clerk’s office will be Wednesday. During her 35 years with the city, she has worked for six mayors, beginning with Nat W. Bullard in 1973.

“She’s always smiling, always cheerful and we really appreciate the work she’s done for us. We’re really going to miss her,” said City Clerk Walter Osborne.

Osborne said Luke’s retirement likely caps a first for the city clerk’s office — two of the longest-serving employees retiring in the same year. Edna Hadad retired earlier in the year with 30 years of experience, he said.

“I want to personally tell you how much we appreciate all you have done for us. I know it’s been a challenge, but you’ve always there,” North Ward Alderman Michael Mayfield told Luke at the reception, at which various city employees presented her with gifts.

Along with doing “whatever anybody needs,” Luke’s regular office duties include filing work and typing the minutes of the board of mayor and aldermen meetings. As for how she will spend her retirement, Luke said she hasn’t really thought about it too much.

“I’m going to enjoy my grandchildren and visit with my friends and family,” said Luke, whose husband, Marvin, died last year. “I don’t have any major plans. I just know I won’t have to punch a time clock.”