The Mothers Who Inspire Our Team

Last week, we introduced you to the people who make up the Sams/Hockaday team. We talked about their roles, their passions, and the perspectives they bring into their work each day. This week, as Mother’s Day approaches, we’re honoring the women who shaped those people long before careers, titles, or resumes entered the picture.

Behind every professional journey is a foundation built at home. For many of our team members, that foundation was formed by mothers who modeled faith, resilience, kindness, consistency, and love in countless everyday ways. Today, we’re sharing a few personal reflections about the mothers, and mother figures, who left an indelible mark on our team.

Inch by Inch, a Life of Faithful Love

Becky Hockaday is a quiet force of faith, consistency, and devotion. At 94 years old, she has lived in the same home for 72 years, was married to her husband Jack for 62 years before he passed, and raised three sons, including John Hockaday, co-founder of Sams/Hockaday. Today, her legacy continues through 51 grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and the lives she has shaped by her example.

"She is the quiet constant in our family and a blessing to everyone who has known her."

Her strength shows up in everyday faithfulness. Becky still scrubs her kitchen floor on her hands and knees because as she says, you can’t reach the corners with a mop. She also continues to care for her lawn herself. She remembers every birthday and anniversary, prays for her family without ceasing, and regularly reminds them how good the Lord has been to our family.

"She is the steady presence, the quiet constant, and a blessing to all who know her."

A phrase often heard from Becky reflects the way she has lived her life: “Inch by inch it’s a cinch, yard by yard it’s hard.” She never feels alone, because she knows the Lord is always with her.

"Love you, Mom. Happy Mothers Day!"

Best Friend, Mentor, and Lifelong Example

If we’re lucky, mothers become more than just mentors, they become our best friends. Taryn was quick to explain exactly what that has meant to her.

“My mom means everything to me. She’s not just my mom, but truly my best friend.”

That closeness was built through years of unwavering support, gentle guidance, and shared faith. Taryn credits her mother not only with emotional encouragement, but with shaping who she is at her core.

“She has always been my biggest support, guiding me with kindness, strength, and love. Her faith has shaped who I am, and she’s such an incredible Christian role model in the way she lives, loves, and puts others before herself.”

This kind of leadership doesn’t come from words or grand gestures alone. It comes from living with integrity every single day. Watching a mother walk out her beliefs consistently leaves a lasting impression, one that influences adulthood, relationships, and the way we show up for others. For Taryn, her mother set the standard for the kind of person she hopes to be.

“She’s the kind of mom I hope to be someday.”

The Center of the Family

Mitzi reflects on motherhood as the steady force that holds a family together through every season of life.

“A mother is the center of the family. Her love cares for all.”

It’s a quiet strength that often goes unnoticed until you pause to reflect on it. Mothers shine through storms, offering reassurance when circumstances are uncertain and consistency when life feels unpredictable.

“She shines through all storms and gives limitlessly, day in and day out.”

Mitzi also speaks to the shaping power of a mother’s love, noting how it extends far beyond childhood and continues to influence who we become long into adulthood.

“The love of a mother will shape the child well into adulthood and beyond.”

In her case, that influence didn’t come from just one mother, but two. Marriage brought the gift of a mother-in-law whose wisdom and insight became an added blessing.

“My mother-in-law has added bonus blessings to my life with her insight on raising a son.”

It’s a reminder that sometimes motherhood shows up through generosity, shared experiences, and a willingness to pour into the next generation. Mitzi’s reflection closes with a note of gratitude that resonates deeply:

“Forever grateful for the love of a mother.”

A Safe Place in Every Season

For Amanda, her mom has always been the person she could turn to, no matter the moment, question, or circumstance.

“Happy Mother’s Day to the woman who has always been my safe place.”

That sense of safety comes from knowing there’s a voice on the other end of the phone that will listen without judgment, offer wisdom without pressure, and love without condition.

“My mom has always been my go-to. Someone I can call about anything, any day, and know she’ll be there to listen without judgment.”

In a fast-paced world where expectations are high and vulnerability can feel risky, having a safe place makes all the difference. Amanda acknowledges how central her mother’s influence has shaped her life.

“I’m incredibly grateful for her love, her wisdom, and her constant support. She has shaped who I am in more ways than I can count.”

Ultimately, Amanda sees her relationship with her mom as a wonderful gift, rooted in gratitude and faith.

“I feel truly blessed that God chose her to be my mom.”

The Love in the Little Things

Michael’s reflection highlights something many of us recognize immediately: the way love is often expressed through simple, familiar traditions.

“No one makes scotcharoos like Mom.”

It’s a lighthearted opening, but one filled with meaning. Certain foods, routines, or gestures have the power to instantly transport us back to “home,” wherever that may be. For Michael, his mom’s scotcharoos represent more than a favorite treat—they symbolize care, consistency, and comfort.

“Yours are always just right, and they’ve become one of those things that instantly feels like home.”

These small, everyday acts of love are often easy to overlook, but they’re the threads that quietly hold families together.

“That care and consistency show up in so much of what you do, often in ways that feel simple but mean a lot.”

On this Mother’s Day, Michael’s gratitude centers on those traditions, like birthday scotcharoos instead of cake, and the steady love behind them.

Lessons That Last a Lifetime

Patty reflects on her mother’s gentle wisdom. Values that were taught through words and actions and still guide her today.

“My mother was a very sweet person who always said, ‘If you can’t say anything nice about someone don’t say anything at all.’”

That kind of advice is rooted in kindness, restraint, and character, and those values that never go out of style. Patty also remembers her mom through the warmth of the kitchen, where love was expressed through favorite meals.  

“She also made the best Chop Suey and deviled eggs!!”

Those memories, filled with flavor and feeling, become touchstones for love, care, and connection that endure long after childhood.

A Legacy of Strength, Faith, and Example

Lyric reflects on her mom as a woman whose life consistently models strength, wisdom, and faith.

“My mother has always been a woman of resilience, strength, wisdom, and dedication. Those same principles are what I strive to carry in my day-to-day life and hope to pass on to those connected to my life.”

For Lyric, her mom’s influence is a life authentically in faith.

“My mom has set the precedence for being a woman who reflects the character of Jesus and lives her life in such an honorable and admirable way.”

That example shaped not only who Lyric is today, but who she continues to become.

“I believe that a lot of who I am today is because of the example that was set before me. The appreciation and gratitude I have for the amazing role model my mom has been in my life runs deep, and I truly couldn’t be where I am today without her.”

The Ones Who Always Show Up

Laura speaks to motherhood as a constant, dependable presence rooted in selfless love.

“The mothers in my life are the constants. The ones who no matter the circumstance, show up and give of themselves.”

That steadiness is often what sustains families through change and challenges.

“Their love is unwavering and unbounded. I will be forever grateful for them and their commitment to others.”

Grateful Beyond Words

As a team, we recognize that who we are today has been shaped in countless ways by the mothers who invested in us. Their influence shows up in how we work, how we serve, how we lead, and how we care for others. This Mother’s Day, we celebrate not only our own mothers, but all the women who step into nurturing roles with grace, strength, and selflessness.

To the moms who were and are best friends, safe places, faith leaders, steady centers, quiet encouragers, and makers of unforgettable meals—thank you. Your love continues to echo through generations, and we are better because of you.

Happy Mother’s Day from all of us at Sams/Hockaday.