Happy Mother's Day
- Loretha Cleveland
- May 4
- 13 min read
Updated: May 10
Proverbs 31 NIV
20 She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy.
21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
22 She makes coverings for her bed;
she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
26 She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
27 She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all.”
We asked a few daughter's to talk about special moments with their mother's. In their words, the following captures memories and stories the women so freely shared with us. Ladies, we are grateful for your contributions. The goal is to make this an annual tradition for Mother's Day, as we grow the listing to be more inclusive of our Florida families. So, put your writing caps on and we hope you'll join us again next year, or participate for the first time in 2026! We embrace tradition; we value history; and we love our families. Thank you, and Happy Mother's Day!
My mom (Helen) was more than a single parent, she was my best friend. As the youngest of four, I miss her always by my side. We’d cook, laugh, and talk for hours. I never outgrew sleeping beside her, that was my safest place. Though we didn’t have much, she made my world full of love, handwritten notes, and traditions our family still carry. She turned little into magic. We held hands, prayed, took simple trips, and shared endless talks. Her laughter was contagious, her smile warm, and her spirit magnetic. She lit up every room. Being with her was always home, and I loved her deeply. I’ll always miss my Momma, in every old photograph, her smile still whispers “I love you Angie Babe” while the years move on.
My mom (Angela) is my safe place, my second greatest source of strength, and the one who truly gets me. I call her when life feels heavy, when I’m happy, or when I just need to feel grounded. She handles everything with such grace and makes the toughest tasks look effortless. She inspires me every day. She’s my rock and my biggest supporter. One day, I hope to be just as great as her!
What I miss most about my mother (Joann) is her smile, laughter, patience and her love for family and God. I miss the early Saturday mornings starting our day off with yard sales and ending it with laughter and full bellies. I miss the long Sundays of going to church fellowshipping with family and friends. I’m so thankful for the years God allowed me to share with my mother and thankful that I was able to witness her last breath and be the last person to kiss her lips as she was the first to kiss mine.
My mother is Bridget Merritt. She’s the beautiful, petite, energetic lady sitting there with the beautiful, unique beauty mark on her face. My mother is a special kind of lady. Everyone is strong in their own way, but the challenges that were thrown at my mom makes her a super hero in my eyes. That saying “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger” is my mother. She is my hope and my everything. From working multiple jobs and still making time for my brother and I, even when we worked her last nerve. That’s what I call strong. But best believe patience had to grow on her. To that beautiful, strong God-fearing, hard-working, loving woman. I love you more than anything. Mama, your favorite, Twee.
My Mom, Lizzie Howard, and I share talking with each other several times a day; especially about my granddaughter Zoe. We also like cooking. She loves it when I call her and asks her advice about cooking.
My mother (Marva) and I share a bond both delicate and unbreakable, woven through years of laughter, tears, and quiet understanding. Time deepens our bond, transforming it into a timeless, unspoken language of the heart. My mother provides me with roots that create a solid foundation, allowing me to soar freely on wings of independence. And in that beautiful balance, we find a love that never fades, only deepens.
For as far back as I can remember Saturdays in our home for my mom was always preparation for Sunday. She would cook all day on Saturday for Sunday dinner. And being the mother of twelve children, she would always lay out our clothes for church. Ensuring that she and my dad had all of their children in Sunday school, morning service and evening service was so very important to her. Fast forward to my becoming a mom, I realize that I shared this same preparation experience as my mom. Though, I only had three children, I found myself preparing for our Sundays just like my mom. Even though I didn’t cook quite as much food as her. I fondly remember one Sunday morning calling my mom to say “thank you” because I realized that the many years she had prepared us (the children) must have been an awesome sacrifice because I felt that this was a lot of work for me but she never showed any negative emotion for this preparation year after year. Getting my children ready for church wasn’t easy because they really didn't move as fast as we did back then. And, in my days, Sunday School and evening service was gone. So preparation for Sunday worship is something I shared with my mom. I’d like to wish her, Mother Delories Days, a very Happy Mother’s Day.
Something special that I share with my mom (Janice) is her role as my personal cookbook. Even though I’m no longer living near her, she’s just one phone call or FaceTime away whenever I need a recipe, cooking advice, or a reminder of how she made one of my favorite dishes. I deeply appreciate her constant support and the way she continues to nurture me, even from a distance, through the love she puts into every recipe she shares. Because of her I can finally say I enjoy cooking!
I lost my mom Rosetta, years before her death in May 2019. The silent disease,
Alzheimer’s, changed the woman I called “Mom” but left me with a heart full of loving memories. I mostly miss the unconditional love I felt from her and our sharing of recipes in the kitchen and over the phone. I cherish the handwritten recipes I received from her over the years, knowing that my sweet potato pie will never taste like the one I remember eating in our family kitchen growing up. Our daily phone calls brought joy to the end of each day and just the sharing of stories that helped me understand her a little
more with each story shared and helped me connect. I miss her ability to listen, provide
support without ever giving her opinion but being the source of comfort that I often
needed. I miss her touch, her hugs, her voice... I miss her.
What I miss most is my mother (Rebecca) not being here with us, seeing her almost daily. My mother’s love, smile, encouragement, training, wisdom, and talking to her together, almost every day. Mama called every morning before 7, and when the phone would ring my husband said, “you need to get it you know it’s your mama calling.” I miss not shopping for gifts on Mother's Day or other special occasions. My mother enjoyed seeing her family together on her special Mother’s Day, showing our love and appreciation to her. Two songs that I reflect on are I'll Always Love My Mama (The Intruders), and A Song for Mama (Boyz II Men), in a special way.
My mom, Rosetta Crawford Robinson, continues to live on in God's presence in heaven. She was an amazing woman who exemplified the true attributes of a mother. She raised me with care and affection, provided nurturing and support, and took responsibility for my upbringing. She gave me unconditional love and was always there when I needed her. She was the glue that bonded our family together, both individually and collectively.
What do I miss most about my mom? Everything! Her smile, her laugh, her loving "tap," and her ability to bring our family together for Sunday lunches, holiday gatherings, and summer hangouts with the cousins. I cherish the countless priceless memories: baking German Chocolate cake together (even though I hated sifting the flour manually, I loved the delicious cake!), and learning to style my hair in various ways, including braiding, pressing, and curling. I learned a strong work ethic from her as I watched her work long hours both outside and inside the home while keeping everything together. Mom was an expert seamstress for our family and for members in the neighborhood. I proudly wore many outfits which were special creations by the hands of my mom. One instance that really stands out is a professionally designed formal dress handcrafted for my senior prom. She even created the pattern for the dress. There was none like it, and I felt really special and set apart by its unique design. I have a smile on my face just thinking about it even today. Thank you, Mom.
She resembles the woman described in Proverbs 31, a woman of excellence. Not perfect, but one who demonstrated a wide range of excellent attributes. She was married, devoted to her family, and played a vital role in our family's well-being through her efforts both at home and in our rural community. At the same time, she made our home a center of giving to others—family, friends, and neighbors. I love you, Mom, and miss you dearly. I am forever grateful for you and the impact you had on me becoming the woman I am today.
“Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all. Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” (Proverbs 31:29-30)
My mom (Deon) the woman who wears many hats, is one of the strongest women I know. She has this quiet kind of strength, the kind that doesn’t ask for attention, but somehow holds everything together. She didn’t have the opportunity to finish secondary school, but she never let that stop her from building a better life for her and her kids. As a single mother of three, she worked tirelessly to make sure we had
everything we needed, often sacrificing her
own comfort for ours. Despite the odds, she started her own business from scratch, pouring her heart into it and proving that perseverance and grit can take you far while showing us what real determination looks like.
Today, not only is she a successful entrepreneur, but also an incredible grandmother who showers her grandkids with love, wisdom, and the same fierce devotion she gave us. She has always been the backbone of our family and the one who keeps everyone together and in line. No matter what she’s going through, she still shows up for others, giving even when she doesn’t have much to give. Her strength, resilience, and unwavering love are what make her so special on this Mother’s Day and every day.
Mother (Rosetta), even though you're no longer with me, I still love you and miss you very much. I think about you daily and remember so many special moments we spent together. Memories of us sitting outside under the tree during the summer and talking for hours are still fresh in my mind. We would talk for hours about life, and how thankful and blessed we were. I admired the time you would spend in the kitchen making those wonderful meals, and baking all those delicious desserts. I am proud that I learned how to make those sweet potato pies, and the best fruit cake ever. I love and appreciate you for taking time to spend with me.
I enjoyed our memorable trips to Panama City to celebrate the Thanksgiving holidays. You would always have me to stop at a special service station so we could purchase an ice cream cone. That was so special to me. Traveling with you on our longest trip to Biloxi took courage for me, but you kept me alert the entire time. When you could no longer travel, I enjoyed sitting quietly with you, and appreciating the moment. I love you mother, and miss you dearly.
There are so many things I have learned from my mother (Dixie) that I am glad to share with others. I admire the fact that she is equipped with showing genuine love through laughter. Rather it be joking or spiritually, her laughter has love that has come a long way, especially with me. Praise the Lord.
My mother (Emma) is a very special woman! I’m so grateful God allowed her to give birth to me. My mother is my friend, she taught me about God, she loves me unconditionally, taught me right from wrong and is my number one cheerleader. She taught me to first love myself, God and family. You can’t give or show what you don’t have. When I gave birth to my son (Andrew) mom was there holding my hand. I had no pain, easy delivery. Once Andrew came, my mother said, "I’m so tired." I said from what? Mom said, "thinking back when I gave birth to you! Oh the pain!!"
Mom, thanks for everything; I’m the person I am because of your prayers, kindness and your guidance/teaching. Mom I love you.
My mother (Eloise) has always been my biggest supporter throughout more than 41 years of teaching and coaching high school basketball and flag football. She attended most of my games, cheering from the sidelines and offering enthusiastic advice to keep me motivated. Respectively, I enjoy attending all her functions as she is busy singing in the Pinellas County community gospel choir and active with her Zeta sorority. Mom is always the person to organize family holiday events at her house featuring big meals at Christmas and Thanksgiving. Our Christmas gift exchange keeps growing as the family grows, everybody gets too many bags to count. At least once a year, we take a family trip, shopping and eating at special dining places. Almost daily, we play card games at her house, and she usually wins! I love her so much and enjoy our special times together. She’s my best friend.
One thing I share with my mom (Cynthia) is her sense of empathy; she taught me how important it is to truly listen and care about others. It’s something I try to carry with me and share in all my relationships. My mom also has this quiet strength. She faces everything with a calm I’ve always admired. I share that with her now, and I try to pass it on by being someone people can lean on when things get tough.
My mom (Xenia) can make any occasion feel special. Whether it’s a single holiday, birthday or a season she makes sure it’s felt down to the smallest detail. When a season is approaching she’s hard at work creating crafts, decorating, and imagining new ways to bring a season to life. Her favorite season is Christmas and it comes early in our household. From wall to wall she creates a winter wonderland for our family to enjoy and celebrate.
What I admire about my Mom (Dianne) is her strong desire to help others. For many years, my mom worked at a Behavior School, where she mentored troubled youth. In her retirement, she is still giving back by volunteering in the Brevard County school system. Currently, she mentors a group of at risk elementary students from grades 3-5th. She is also very active in her church serving the Lord through various ministries, and has held an office position in her local NAACP chapter for many years. From her leading by example, I foster that same drive to give back to others through my work in healthcare for 30 years and serving in the youth and usher departments in my church. I will forever be grateful for the sacrifices my mom gives, not only for our family, but for so many others.
One of the most special things we share with our mom, Jacquelene Polke, is her boundless compassion. From as early as we can remember, she taught us — by word and by example — that love is expansive, not exclusive. Her faith in God is the foundation of everything she does and it shows in the way she holds space for people from every walk of life. Whether it’s through a hug or prayer or a word of encouragement, our mother makes people feel seen, heard, and safe. She never judges — she simply listens, uplifts, and believes in the best in everyone, even when they can’t see it themselves. What makes her love even more powerful is that it’s not just reserved for family or friends. Her kindness reaches strangers, students, church members, and neighbors alike. To be loved by Jacquelene Polke is to be reminded that God’s grace is wide and welcoming. That’s the gift she’s given to her children and grandchildren: to live lives of grace, to meet people with gentleness, and to believe that compassion can change the world — because it’s changed ours.
Mother (Rosetta) was compassionate, funny, strong, truthful, and encouraging. She always pointed out the good in what you were doing. But, don't worry, correction came when needed. A loving woman of great strength, spirit, soul and body. Mom possessed great wisdom in knowing when to and when not to speak. She took great pride in teaching her children life principles - how to cook, clean and do laundry. As a young woman with seven children and a husband, she learned how to be patient, loving and encouraging. I love you mom.
Elementary school events wouldn't have been the same without my mom (Amyah). Whether I was receiving an award, belting out a song on stage, or even just participating in field day, she was a constant in the audience. I always searched for her face, and her smile was like a little boost of confidence. Knowing she was there, cheering me on, made every single event feel significant and memorable.
My favorite memory with my mom (Angela) — and there are so many — has to be from when I was 5 years old. We lived in a small apartment, and my mom worked just across the highway at a hospital. We didn’t have a car back then, so every day she would walk home after her shift. I remember standing at the front window, watching and waiting. The moment I saw her walking toward our building, my heart would burst with excitement.
One day stands out vividly. She came in the door, kissed me and my baby brother, took a quick shower, and then turned on some music — “Tootsee Roll” to be exact. She grabbed my hands, placed my little feet on top of hers, and danced with me around the living room. I remember laughing, singing along, and feeling like the happiest kid in the world. After dancing, she went into the kitchen and cooked one of her classic dinners: fried chicken, string beans, and mac and cheese. The whole night just felt like love. That moment stayed with me. I remember thinking, “I want to be just like my mom when I grow up.”
Today, I dance with my own children just like she did with us. My mom was my first hero, and that memory reminds me of the joy, strength, and love she gave so freely — even after a long day’s work.
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