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Senior Center honors, celebrates all its moms
Helen Bigham
Helen Bigham was honored by Senior Center Director Theresa Johnson for Bigham’s “love, kindness, and patience” to all the lives she touches at the center. (Submitted photos.)

Special to the Herald

SPRINGFIELD – Sporadic tears didn’t put a damper on a special event at the Effingham County Senior Citizens Center a few days before Mother’s Day May 8.

The center paid tribute to moms among its membership by conducting a Mother’s Day Tea Party. The women in the group, and a few men, also honored their mothers and grandmothers by sharing memories of them.

Fifty-nine people attended.

Essie Lee, oldest mom
Essie Lee, 92, was the oldest mother in attendance at the Senior Center’s Mother’s Day Tea May 8. (Submitted photos.)
Several members choked up while revealing their cherished recollections, causing others to dab their moist eyes as they listened. Common themes included outstanding cooking ability and an abiding concern for others.

All the women in attendance were given a fascinator, an elegant, decorative headpiece often worn at formal events, typically secured to the head with a clip or headband. The idea for the tea party and the headpieces was the brainchild of Director Theresa Johnson.

Cecilia Brown, 62, was recognized as the center’s youngest mother for the second straight year. Essie Lee, 92, got the nod as its oldest mother.

Cecilia Brown, youngest mother
Cecilia Brown, 62, was recognized as the center’s youngest mother.
In addition, Johnson presented a certificate to Helen Bigham that designated her as “Senior Center Mother.” She was honored “for (her) love, kindness, patience and nurturing spirit to all of the lives (she) touch(es). (Her) positivity makes such a difference and is truly inspiring.”

Brown, Lee and Bigham also received flowers.