Linda Hays, Unsung Hero

Unsung Hero: Linda Hays

Newton’s Clerk of Courts one of longest tenured in state history

By TAYLOR BECK

tbeck@covnews.com

Despite being one of Newton County’s four elected constitutional officers, Linda Hays has spent more than four decades working in a position that some might think peculiar but one she simply calls “the background.”

Hays has served as Newton County’s Clerk of Courts since first elected in 1982. She presides as the chief keeper of all records, from court filings and property records to arrest warrants and name changes.

“It’s a lot,” Hays said. “When people come to work in the office, they often say, ‘Wow, I didn’t realize just how much this office does.’”

In 2019, prior to the pandemic, Hays said her office filed more than 69,000 civil and criminal documents. The number dramatically decreased in 2020 to approximately 49,000, but Hays said her office remained open during the pandemic.

Aside from keeping records for the superior and magistrate courts in Newton County, Hays’ duties also include jury and grand jury management.

Hays said even after more than 40 years, each day is different from the next, which is why she enjoys her position so much.

“I love the county, I love the people, and if this is how I can make a difference, I really want to,” she said. “I want to contribute to the county … It’s just what I do, I guess.”

Hays, a lifelong Newton County resident, started work in the clerk’s office in 1976. She came to the office after briefly working in family-children services, but never envisioned such a long tenure.

“This sounds terrible for me to say, but … I really just wanted to raise my children,” Hays said. “I really didn’t have a career path that I was on. I didn’t think about being in politics. My daddy loved politics. He could tell you anything about politics, but I never really thought about any of that. Now, I voted. I’ve never missed an opportunity to vote, but it was just so strange that I would end up being an elected official.”

Had former Newton County Chairman Jack Morgan not asked her to apply, Hays said she may have never gotten a job at the clerk’s office.

“That’s why I say it just had to be a God thing,” she said.

Hays was elected to the Clerk of Courts position in 1982 and took office in 1983. During her time in office, Hays has been honored with a handful of awards, including the Stetson F. Bennett Clerk of the Year Award, Georgia’s Constitutional Officer of the Year Award, and most recently the Pillar of Power Award from Congressman Hank Johnson in 2019 and F. Barry Wilkes ECLAT Award in 2020. She is currently one of the longest serving clerks in state history.

“Part of the mission statement of the Newton County clerk’s office is ‘To Serve with Courtesy,’” Alcovy Superior Court Judge Ken Wynne said of Hays when she accepted the ECLAT Award. “Linda has led by example in that regard. Her first priority is to serve the people of Newton County by making sure all the court records are kept meticulously and to help everyone who comes in to her office with courtesy. I have personally witnessed her interactions with people, and she has always treated everyone with dignity and respect.”

Looking back on her career’s humble beginning, Hays said she wouldn’t change anything. She has been grateful for her time in office, but said her office’s success is due to the tireless efforts of her 15-person staff. She has met several people and acquired numerous friends from across the state.

“Without my great staff, I wouldn’t be able to do anything,” Hays said.

Hays has been married to her husband, Theron, for 54 years. She has two children, Marcy and Greg, along with four grandchildren and one great granddaughter. She says keeping up with her kids and grandkids’ interests are her favorite hobby. Hays and her family attend Eastridge Church in Covington.

Recently unopposed for another four-year term, Hays said she’s unclear of when she’ll step away from her duties as the county’s chief “official record keeper.” When she does decide to call it a career, Hays said she’ll likely spend time traveling with her husband.

Congratulations to all the Visions Winners!