We asked our readers to nominate outstanding moms, stepmoms, grandmothers, aunts and other caregivers (including themselves!) in our 2025 Moms in Focus contest to shine a light on the incredible moms and mother figures in our lives. We were truly amazed, humbled and inspired by the wonderful stories we received, and we think you will be, too!
Here is a sampling of the inspiring nominations:
Pamela Ward, of Guthrie
This photo is of my daughter, Becka, and I at Tim Tebow ‘s Night to Shine Prom for special needs adults. We have a wonderful time feeling special at the dance. I am her full-time caregiver and have been for over 28 years! She has taught me how to be a better mother and an overall better person. Unconditional love is amazing. Everyone deserves to feel this kind of love. I am a very blessed mom!
Jasmine Robinson, of Edmond
Wait, I’m a mom?! I thought I was just babysitting! Life is such a blessing, and I’m so glad I am able to do life with these three cool kids. It takes some commitment to pour into the next generation, but I’m 100% committed; they are my retirement plan! Lol
Farjana Halain, of Oklahoma City
Nothing is comparable to the divine love of a mother for her child. Sunflowers smile around their warm bonding. I would love to take a chance to show the gratitude to my wife who is a great loving and sacrificing mother of my son. Salute to all the moms out there for their unconditional love and sacrifice!
Alice Long, of Edmond
My mom is 77 and age isn’t slowing her down!!! My daughters, Maryalis and Annalise, keep her busy going to local events, concerts and family vacations. My mom never misses a dance recital, choir performance at church or school musical. She’s always up for our spur-of-the-moment road trips, getting splashed at water parks, family game nights and our favorite “sunsets and milkshakes.” My girls and I have lived with my parents since 2016. Granny/GG is a second mom to my daughters…taking them to school, helping with projects, running errands for last-minute things we need and helping with homeschool. We all love her homemade pancakes, muffins and yummy desserts.
She gives so much of herself to all of us. Above all, being a Christian role model is the thing I admire most. My mom prays with my daughters before bed and reads the Bible with them. I’m so thankful for my sweet mom and will never be able to express my gratitude for all of her help with raising Maryalis and Annalise. I LOVE YOU, MOM!!!
Emily Sutton, of Oklahoma City
After years of infertility and pain from endometriosis, God gave us our miracle. Our first embryo transfer failed. The second, stuck. This picture is something that my husband and I envisioned and prayed for over many years, but never knew if it would ever happen. 18 hours of unmedicated labor was an emotional and spiritual release of the pain and sorrow my husband and I walked through. I came out the other side, a mother. I will always cherish this exact moment, when the child we prayed for was put on my chest…surprise! A baby girl. She’s now 2, and I’m pregnant again, this time a boy, through God and science. For anyone going through infertility, you are not alone.
Lonnie Smith, of Oklahoma City
My mom is a remarkable woman who has shown incredible resilience and strength throughout her life. A devoted mom and grandmother, she has spent decades sacrificing for my sister and I and her grandchildren, always putting our needs above her own. Whether it was sacrificing her dream to be an ER nurse to be a stay-at-home mom, to buying a new SUV so that she could drive all of her grandkids around, she has been the backbone of her family.
Her journey has not been easy. Last year she endured three strokes that tested her physical and emotional limits. Despite the challenges and the long road to recovery, she refused to give up. With the support of friends, family and her belief in God, she fought hard to regain her independence. Her perseverance has inspired those around her, reminding them of the importance of family, strength and hope. Through it all, she has remained a beacon of love, wisdom and determination, teaching us the value of faith, resilience, compassion and the power of a strong spirit. Today, she continues to be the heart of our family, a living testament to the power of enduring love and unyielding strength.
Shannon, of Oklahoma City
This is us after my brother and I purchased our very first car, celebrating with brunch at Sunnyside with our little brother, stepdad and mom! My mom, Shannon, is such a wonderful woman. She is an inspiration to all of us, honestly. Just witnessing her character as her daughter is such a blessing. She is such a ray of sunshine wherever she goes. She’s like a best friend, teacher, leader and mother wrapped up in one.
Despite trials or tribulations she faces, I’ve noticed that she remains strong, always the one to lift others up. She recently just purchased her very first house, which is such a big accomplishment! Seeing her do this made me realize that many things are possible and that when the time comes for me, I can do big things like that as well. I thank God that He has even blessed me with a mother figure like this, so kind, cool, lovely, outstanding, hilarious and overall awesome! She is such a blessing to us all, and to all that cross her path.
Stella Olasiji, of Norman
This is my beautiful, loving mom! In this picture, we’re celebrating her 74th birthday. She’s sitting proudly with her grandchildren—my three older ones and my sweet little niece. It was a surprise party, and she was truly overjoyed! My mom is my world, and she loves deeply. Through her prayers and unwavering love, she has guided my brothers and me to be thoughtful, caring individuals. Her example as a wonderful mother has helped me become a good mom to my own children. I am truly blessed to have her in my life, and I know my brothers feel the same way.
Carly Rose, of Midwest City
This is a photo of myself and my beautiful babies. I’m lucky enough to have been blessed with this role of being their mother. Being a mother has taught me to take care of myself so I can be the best version of me for my kids. Being their mom is not only a job of being a role model, but advocating for, teaching and protecting them every day. Motherhood is a journey and comes with its daily challenges, but the gratitude and love I have for my kids is infinite. Also, I’m so thankful for my husband who gave me these beautiful babies… we make an excellent team!
Jenn Putnam, of Edmond
This is the day the cancer left my body. I had a double mastectomy due to breast cancer. My kids were my rocks! They supported and loved me through every single day of treatments, surgeries and recoveries!
Whitney Parks, of Chickasha
Hey y’all! As a single mom of three, my life is constantly busy and on the go! I work full time in mental health, am a full-time student, and a sports mom always on the go!! Our lives revolve around a sports field when I’m not working or doing school work and it is the best! This photo reminds me that it’s the little moments and memories we make that will last a lifetime for my kiddos!!
Leigh Ann Robinson, of Oklahoma City
My son is 19 and has Autism. Being his mom has been my greatest and most rewarding role in my life. He has come so far since he was diagnosed at age 2. My son is the most genuine and kind young man. He is brilliant and loving. I honestly don’t think he knew he was on the Autism spectrum until maybe age 16, because I didn’t treat him any differently. He and I have worked hard over the years but it was all worth it. The man he has become makes me so proud.
Heather Powers-Dodrill, of Edmond
Heather has been a foster mom since 2023 and is such a loving presence in these kids’ lives as they stay in our home. She goes above and beyond and treats the kids like they are her own children, finding resources for them so they can overcome their trauma and live happy, fulfilling lives. Heather is currently fostering a 4 year old with special needs and a feisty eighteen-month-old. She is the rock of our family and always puts the needs of the kiddos ahead of her own. Fostering can feel like a long race at times, but Heather is definitely leading the pack with her commitment and love. I could not ask for a better woman to love.
Want more? Read all of the nominations!
Thank you to everyone who submitted a nomination and congratulations to all of these amazing moms who are a shining light in our community.
