The Citizen and Fayette Woman are pleased to announce the winners of the 14th annual Mother of the Year contest.
The winner in the 50 and over age category is Sandra Jones of Fayetteville. Sandra was nominated by her daughter, Ashlie Newton, who said, “She is my rock, the knower of all things, my idol, my go-to gal.”
Mrs. Jones is the mother of four, two daughters and two stepsons. She cares for her husband, who has Alzheimer’s, but still stands strong for her family, and continues to be a sounding board for her children and grandchildren.
“She is a wonderful Christian woman who would give you the shirt off of her back if you needed it,” her daughter wrote. “ She would go without in order to help you or someone in need.”
Fayetteville resident Christina Allen is the Mother of the Year in the 36 to 50 age category.
Mrs. Allen was nominated by her husband, and each of her three daughters and two sons also wrote to tell us about their mom.
“This mom puts on her Wonder Woman cape every day,” her husband, Casey Allen, wrote.
In addition to being mother to five children, Christina manages five successful healthcare practices and sits on multiple boards at Piedmont Hospital.
“My mom is a very giving and caring person,” daughter Abby wrote. “She always does something to put a smile on someone’s face, especially her own children.”
This year’s winner in the 35 and under category is Marlee Brook of Fayetteville.
Mrs. Brook was nominated by her husband, Brian. Last year, the couple was overjoyed to learn they were expecting triplets.
Soon, though, one of the babies was lost and Marlee fought hard to save both of the remaining girls.
“Marlee had this unwavering, unbreakable faith,” her husband wrote, a faith that has seen her through the loss of one of the remaining infants as well.
“She’s overcome more in the last year than any woman should ever be faced with,” Brian said. “She’s our super mom!”
“It is never easy to select winners for the Mother of the Year contest,” Joyce Beverly, publisher of Fayette Woman, said Monday. “We had so many amazing nominations. I continue to be astounded at the exceptional women in our community.”
The Citizen and Fayette Woman are joined in sponsoring the 2016 contest by 14 sponsors who generously contributed hundreds of dollars worth of 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.”
Valuable prize packages for the three winning moms are provided this year by:
Art of Landscape, Atlanta Market Furniture, Bedazzled Flower Shop, Branch and Vine, City Cafe, heart is found, Merle Norman; One Magnolia Lane, Plumyumi Day Spa, Regal Jewelers, Salon Di Capelli, Smith & Davis, Skin Care at 5th Ave., and Trilogy Health and Wellness Center.
