For 12 years, The Citizen has saluted the special moms in our community; one mom had been on dialysis for 14 years, while another has raised eight children. One has found a calling in the chiropractic field.
The Citizen and Fayette Woman are pleased to announce the winners of the 12th annual Mother of the Year contest.
The winner in the 65 and over age category is Miriam Rinomhota of Fayetteville. Mrs. Rinomhota was nominated by her daughter, Milka Punungwe, who said her mother “has to be the most versatile and enterprising woman” she knows.
Mrs. Rinomhota is mother to eight children who presently live in four countries. She keeps up with technology in order to stay in touch with her family. Her daughter says her mom is a registered nurse with a strong entrepreneurial spirit. At age 67, she continues to find business ideas.
“My mom never meets a stranger and she has built many relationships in the community, the country and wherever she goes,” her daughter says. “She loves connecting people with similar interests and is always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.”
Fayetteville resident Anna Moore Just-Buddy is mother of the year in the 45-64 age category. Mrs. Just-Buddy was nominated by her son, Jacob, who says she is the role model by which he and his sister wish to live their lives, “the sign of hope for many generations to come.”
In his nomination letter, Jacob describes the journey his mom made from pursuing a business degree then finding her true calling in chiropractic care. Jacob talks about his mother as an entrepreneur and caregiver.
“She persevered to become the selfless compassionate person she is today,” Jacob says.
This year’s winner in the “Under 45” age category is Heidi Graney of Peachtree City. Ms. Graney was nominated by her mother, Phyllis Graney, who describes her daughter’s recent arduous and miraculous delivery of a baby girl. Heidi had been on kidney dialysis for 14 years and was grieving the recent loss of an 18-year-old daughter when she became pregnant with her daughter, Michelle.
“She demonstrated so much love and patience,” Mrs. Graney said. “Heidi is a true example of what it means to be a wonderful mother.”
See Page C6 in the print edition to read the winning entry essays.
“It is never easy to select winners for the Mother of the Year contest,” Joyce Beverly, publisher of Fayette Woman, said. “We had so many wonderful nominations. I continue to be amazed at the exceptional women in our community.”
The Citizen and Fayette Woman are joined in sponsoring the 2014 contest by partners who generously contribute hundreds of dollars worth or prizes and gift certificates to these deserving moms.
“We could not do this without our partners,” Beverly said. “This is just one of the many ways each of these local businesses continuously gives back to this community. We appreciate them so much.”
“We are especially thankful to Mucklow’s Fine Jewelry, who has been a platinum sponsor of this contest since its inception 12 years ago,” Mrs. Beverly said.
Platinum sponsors this year also include Bedazzled Flower Shop and heart is found photography.
Silver sponsors are Atlanta Market Furniture and Accessories, Georgia Shrimp Company, Massage Envy Spa, Merle Norman of Peachtree City, Plumyumi Day Spa, and Smith and Davis.
