Written by sisters Cecelia James Webb and Hazel James Cole, Ph.D.
Mother’s Day is the special time of year that we honor our beloved mom, Mrs. Hosley Mae Bratcher, 81, who is a woman of God and wears many hats, literally and figuratively. Her hats serve as a metaphor for the multiple roles she balances daily.
Life wasn’t easy for Mom, as she grew up poor and overcame adversity by forging ahead despite challenges she faced as a young woman limited by Jim Crow laws and segregation. Nevertheless, she persisted. She practices (and continuously reminds us to do the same) what she calls the Golden Rule: Always treat people right, regardless of how they treat you. She pushed her children to become educated because she only obtained an eighth-grade education, but she’s a brilliant woman, an orator who speaks as eloquently as a seasoned professional. She’s an avid reader of books, magazines, and the Bible. She loves television and her guilty pleasure is watching the Steve Harvey Show, the Wendy Williams Show and the Weather Channel.
Woman of God
Mom loves big, beautiful hats that perfectly match her suits. For special occasions and on Sundays, you may see her dressed as royalty, heading to church to serve, participate in Sunday School which she rarely misses, and then find her designated seat on the front pew, earned as one of the oldest mothers in the church. Mom never believed in sitting on the back pew, nor does she believe in showing up casually for The Lord. A particular childhood memory involves mother dressing us for church in our Sunday best, moisturizing us with Vaseline, and lining us up on the first pew, every Sunday. Serving God is in her DNA, and she honors God through praise and worship.
Motherhood
The most significant hat she wears is that of a devoted mother to five adult children, whose careers include a tenured college professor-scholar, a director of mental health services, a musician, a songstress, and a machinist. Her legacy includes five grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and two great-, great-grandchildren. Mother sacrificed so much for our success, which is why we take pride in accomplishing things she dreamed of, and taking her along for the experience.
Mom loves springtime, gardening and beautiful flowers and trees, planted to remind us of the seasons in our lives. She said God takes us through seasons to grow us and reminds us that love and God are synonymous, and to call on Him in good and bad times.
During the holidays (or if we just ask any time), she prepares all of our favorites including duck dressing, turnip greens, candied yams, chitterlings, fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, potato salad, fresh vegetables, cornbread in the cast iron skillet, and three-layered chocolate cake.
She spoils us with the best back rubs and head massages, all while singing gospel songs to relax us, as we sprawl across her lap.
Recently, she had a birthday and we gave her a day of fun that included shopping, spa manicure and catfish dinner at Taylor Grocery. We had a blast with her, honoring her as the Queen of our family. She was thrilled at how much love she was shown on what she calls that “facepage” (Facebook).
Influencer
Ms. Hosea, as she is affectionately known throughout the community, is an influencer to all generations, serving as a Church Mother, Grandmother, Community Mother, and Bible teacher, to name a few. For 38 years she has been married to T. Wade Bratcher, and she retired from the Oxford School System after 27 years, where she worked tirelessly in the cafeteria and custodial services. She was a daily encourager to so many young people and today all her advice (that she calls “mother wit”) is still rooted in the gospel. Mom will impart knowledge, wisdom and scripture in every conversation, and she is highly regarded as a local speaker or emcee at local churches.
Mother often extends grace to those who may not deserve it, and smiles often because she believes that if someone is not smiling, you should give them one of yours. There’s a lesson in that for us all.
Mom is definitely our rock, the family matriarch and the reason for our smiles. Happy Mother’s Day!
