A Chesterfield mother of seven children has been selected as the South Carolina Mother of the Year 2012.
GulledgeMiriam McLaurin Gulledge, 77, a member of Chesterfield Baptist Church, was honored April 26 by Gov. Nikki Haley.
She was selected from among nominees sought statewide by the South Carolina Mother of the Year search committee of the South Carolina Association of American Mothers Inc.
Gulledge was sponsored by her church. She is married to Robert Gulledge, for whom she has been caregiver since he was disabled in a 1991 accident.
“I tried to instill in my children integrity, manners, respect for themselves and others, responsibility, and dependability,” said Gulledge. “I am so blessed; they have shown those virtues throughout their lives and we share a great love for each other.”
Gulledge has served her church and community, singing and playing organ and piano for worship services, weddings and funerals while nurturing her large family and caring for her husband and her late mother.
She managed her household while co-owning a community grocery store and keeping books. Education has been important to her and for her children: In 1969, she earned her high school diploma from a night-school program.