The sons of Bernella Williams see her as their rock and motivation to help them to stay focused.

"My mother is a woman of great faith. When she sets her mind to any task she completes it, no matter what it is. I'm glad she is my mother and not somebody else's," said her eldest son Carlton. "You can have money to get whatever you want but the efforts of a good mother trumps all of that."

Third-oldest son Orlyn added: "Mom has always been behind us pushing us to do our best. She kept us in line and that's why we are so respectful towards others.

"I think I was her most challenging son but I turned out fine and am very successful.

"I try to help out as much as I can with my brothers in school. Just the other day, one of them called me and asked me to fly out to them and fix their broken computer, as I work in Information Technology.

"I was unable to make it out there so I bought him a new laptop and told him to bring his broken computer home with him. We all help each other like that."

Second-born son Burnell said: "My mom is a phenomenal woman who is willing to sacrifice to make sure we have everything we need in terms of education. We were not rich, but she made sure we always had food and clothes."

He added: "She worked late nights, holidays and multiple shifts. She would sometimes sell baked goods, all for the investment in the future of her children. She always taught us the value of education and family."

Nineteen-year-old son, Delmont said: "Throughout my academic career and life, my mom supported me and gave me the inspiration to keep going, which she didn't have to do.

"She put us through private school, an Adventist school at that. She struggled just to make ends meet and worked 12 hours shifts at KEMH and that gave me inspiration to work harder," he added.

Mrs. Williams' youngest son, Va Shon, 14, said: "I love my mother, she is a great role model. First of all, she works well with money, 'cause things always got paid.

"She helps me with my homework, and if she can't, there is always a brother or two to help me."

Va Shon said that he did not do anything special for his mom on Mother's Day because she was working. "I gave her a flower from church."