“She is humble of heart and filled with love for family, God”

Mary, the Blessed Mother, endured much as the mother of Jesus. Mary humbly gave people an example of submitting to God’s will. The following three mothers are examples of Christian faith to their families and parishes. 

Shelia Willis, Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Sulphur

On Sunday morning at Mass parishioners find Shelia Willis and her husband, Billy, trying to corral their six grandchildren ages 1-13. Both grandparents converted to Catholicism 20 years ago through a friend from work. Ever since, Willis has volunteered in almost every capacity at Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church, from religious education teacher, director of Christmas plays and anything else she is called upon to do.

“I attended a retreat with Cursillo four years ago and it helped me tremendously to understand the need for community and working together to promote Jesus. Our warm little church in Sulphur does a great job promoting community. Our pastor, Father Aaron Foshee, has begun integrating the Hispanic and English speaking communities more fully, through the multilingual Mass. The choir has been especially helpful with his efforts,” she said.

In addition to helping her two children raise six grandchildren, she also has brought foster children into her home. 

Willis’s daughter, Samantha, said, “She has such calm about her when she is in church, even with six grandkids. She goes above and beyond to make sure they each understand as much as they can about the Mass and how to be respectful.” 

Her son, Brandon said, “I am simply impressed by how much my children love going to church with Grammy.”

Fellow parishioner, Mary Dursel, stated, “Sheila is very humble and a quiet, gentle presence around the church community. She extends a warm smile and speaks to everyone she encounters. With her family you see the patience and love she shares with them. Like our Blessed Mother, she is humble of heart and filled with love for her family and wants nothing more than to love and serve God.” 

Gloria Kemp, Saint Joseph Catholic Church, Ada 

Gloria Kemp’s mother was Italian American and a devout Catholic. However, being deaf, she never heard her daughter’s voice. Kemp is now 88 and still prays daily with her mother’s Rosary. 

“Over the many years I have experienced times where I have had great faith and also down times,” Kemp said. “Even Saint Teresa of Calcutta admitted she had down times with her faith.” 

Kemp has lost two husbands, but the most devastating was when her 59-year-old son, Thomas, died suddenly three years ago. He was one of six of children, 14 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. 

Kemp said she has a formula for solving those downtimes when someone’s faith is at the lowest:

- Continue to go to Mass even when they don’t want to;
- Continue to go to the Sacraments even when they feel empty;
- Pray even if their heart isn’t in it;
- Ask other people to pray for them;
- Rely on the Communion of Saints to pray for them.

“You cannot go through this life unscathed. You need to rely on faith and prayer,” Kemp said. “Jesus is there and will help you through the bad times. His mother also suffered through the loss of her son.” 

Kelly Howard, Saint Mary Catholic Church, Ardmore

At Saint Mary Catholic Church parishioners streamed from Mass to shake the priest’s hand. Lakin Howard, 16, stood nearby with her mother, Kelly Howard, as she anxiously awaited her turn. Finally, it was Lakin’s turn, and she raced excitedly toward Father Kevin Ratterman, squealing with joy. Father Ratterman smiled as he greeted Howard. 

Howard has dealt with many challenges in life. She credits the Blessed Virgin and the faith her grandmother instilled in her with helping her through the worst day any parent could ever suffer, the loss of her 11-year-old son, Dalton. Dalton was killed in an accident on their family’s ranch in June 2004. She and her husband, Steve, said they know that Dalton is with God, although his absence is still quite painful.

Howard is active with her children, Rance, 14, Lakin, 16, Kade and his wife, Marylu, both 34, and grandchildren, Kase, 5, and Dylann, 7. She also is an English teacher in the Ringling School District. 

“I try to prepare my students to meet the challenges they will face by encouraging prayer and exemplifying faith,” Howard said. “Unlike social media, which often gives messages to young people that everything is ok, priests, parents and teachers are needed in their lives to help equip them with knowledge to know how to react when everything is not OK. They will have challenges and do need God.”

Kade Howard said, “I am very thankful for the faith and strength my mom has practiced throughout our lives. I admire her passion and dedication while teaching her children and students.” 

Charles Albert is a freelance writer for the Sooner Catholic. 


Shelia Willis, Gloria Kemp and Kelly Howard.