Mothers bless our lives in big and small ways alike. They teach us things we need to know and build memories that last a lifetime. Local children and grandchildren reflected on the joy that their mothers and grandmothers bring to their lives.
Lisa Jones Banks
“Loving, Caring, Strong, Selfless”
Life Coach, Trainer, Event Planner and Federal government retiree
Family locations: Baltimore County and Anne Arundel County
Lisa Jones Banks made a lifelong impression on her son, 20-year-old Troy Tinch, Jr. and Autumn Tinch, her 17-year-old daughter. She stands with her children during pivotal moments in their lives.
Troy, an honors collegiate student athlete and college sophomore, explained what makes Banks memorable.
“I’ve been playing basketball since the age of five and I can look over and see my mom in the stands cheering me on with her customized t-shirts and pom-poms. Another thing that makes my mother memorable is watching her wake up to pray for me (and my sister) at 5 a.m. with her prayer partner since I can remember,” he said.
Autumn Tinch, a student, learned that loving and resilient mothers are the heart of a family, offering unwavering support, strength through every challenge, and unconditional love.
She also said that her mother always puts her first, giving everything she has to help Autumn chase her dreams.
“I’ll never forget how she took me to New York for acting auditions, turning what could’ve been a stressful journey into an adventure full of love and laughter,” Autumn added. “You’ve always been my strength when I couldn’t find my own, and I know your prayers have carried me through more than I can ever understand. I love you so much — more than words can ever truly say,” Autumn added.
Photo credit: Michelle B.
Carolynn Harris and Michelle B., owner of Nova’s Closet LLC
“A Beautiful Soul” and “A Heart of Gold”
Family locations: Howard County and Baltimore County
Carolynn Harris, mother of Baltimore City-based Michelle B., and grandmother of 6-year-old Nalani Nova plays an important role in the lives of both of her loved ones.
“I want to tell my mother thank you for being the best example of a mother,” said Michelle B. “I had my first child my 12th grade year of high school at the age of 17. If it wasn’t for my mother, I’m not sure where I’d be. Through her hurt and even some disappointment in me having a child so early in life, she stepped in immediately,” Michelle B. shared.
Michelle B. stated that she is blessed and could not imagine her life without her mother.
“God really smiled on our family when he blessed us with such a beautiful soul,” she added.
Nalani shared her favorite things about her grandmother are that she makes silly faces and makes her laugh.
“I love you MiMi and you’re the best,” she declared joyfully.
Nalani also said that Michelle B. encourages her and shows her love by giving her hugs and kisses.
“My mother has a heart of gold,” she said. “If my mother hasn’t taught me anything, she taught me how to pray. When I have nothing left in me, I will always have prayer.”
Photo courtesy of the Fowlkes family
Yvette Fowlkes
“Helpful, Considerate, Fun, and the Best Mom Ever”
Profession: Physical Therapist
Family location: Baltimore City
Kyle Fowlkes,9, and Kinsley Fowlkes, 7, sang praises about their mother, Yvette Fowlkes.
Kyle shared that Yvette is a fun mother who is also kind, respectful, and generous to everyone in the family. He appreciates being able to take trips to run and jump at the trampoline park and ride bikes with his sibling.
“She always makes sure that we have everything that we need and she always allows us to get plenty of snacks when we go to the market with her,” said Kyle.
Something that he will never forget is when his mother bought a bike and PlayStation for him.
Feeling tired does not stop Yvette from helping around the house. Her attentiveness has not gone unnoticed.
“Thank you, Mommy. Happy Mother’s Day. I love you. You are the best mom ever. You allow us to have fun, and you care for us all in so many ways,” Kyle said.
Kinsley shared that her sweet, caring mother always helps when she needs support, even with her homework.
“She shows me love by listening to me when I need help, and she answers my questions,” Kinsley also stated. “She is a great mother, and she puts family first and always makes sure that we always have everything that we need.”
Photo credit: Val Jenkins
Val Jenkins and Tierre Tates
“Appreciate Family and Good Health”
Family Locations: Baltimore City and Baltimore County
Val Jenkins, a woman known for her “can-do” attitude, determination and contagious positivity has worked full-time at Baltimore Gas & Electric Co. for 24 years. Jenkins was also born with a brain disease, Chiari malformation. She was also diagnosed with over 10 other ailments and diseases. On top of that, on November 28, 2021, Jenkins was diagnosed with Stage 3 GIST (Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor) Cancer.
“My official date of being cancer-free was three years ago. Five doctors called me on my birthday to tell me that I was cancer-free,” Jenkins recalled.
Her daughter, Tierre Tates is an ovarian cancer survivor.
Khloe Tates, Tierre’s 15-year-old daughter and Jenkins’ granddaughter, said that she feels incredibly thankful and inspired that both women in her life overcame cancer.
“It shows how strong they are, and I am grateful to still have them in my life because they remind me every day to appreciate family and health,” said Khloe.
She added, “My grandmother and mother are important to me because they have shaped who I am today with their love, support, and strength. Their presence gives me hope and confidence in everything I do.”
Additionally, Tierre stated that she feels overwhelmed with gratitude that she is able to celebrate another Mother’s Day with Jenkins, in addition to Jenkins’ three-year cancer recovery.
“This Mother’s Day isn’t just about celebrating her as a mom — it’s about celebrating her life, her fight, and her incredible spirit,” she added. “She’s a living example of strength, faith, and perseverance.”