Devoted. Loving. Selfless.

These are words used to describe mothers. Great Mothers.

Moms are the pillars of our communities. We’re responsible for raising those who will have a future impact on this world. Fathers share in this responsibility too but it’s mothers that are typically responsible for the majority of the child rearing.

While all moms are special and important, there are certain moms throughout history that bear special mention. These moms are known for their exceptional ability to balance parenting with the rest of their roles in society.

Mary, The Mother of Jesus

She was the mother of all mothers. Obedient and full of faith. Mary, mother of Jesus raised the most important human being ever born. He was God yet man – born from the Father in heaven.

Mary raised Jesus to follow all Jewish customs. And while Jesus was God sent, Mary humbled herself and played the role of mother, giving him the flexibility and space he needed to fulfill his calling.

When Jesus was crucified, Mary then took on the role of nurturing the Apostle John. She was the perfect example of what all mothers should be like. Loving.

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis

Jackie O, as she’s fondly known was a matriarch, a lady of style and grace. A sophisticated First Lady to the 35^th President of the United States, Jacqueline Kennedy was mother to 3 children, including  a daughter that died two days after her birth.

In spite of her obvious political duties, Jackie O managed to create a safe haven for her two children, raising them to be pillars of society. Caroline is a respected author and attorney. John Jr. is no longer with us but he was a beloved socialite, lawyer, pilot and magazine publisher.

Jackie O was such a selfless mother that she not only cared for her own children, but the children of the world.

In 1962, she went to India and presented the children there with an art carnival. She gave awards to Indian children who had painted for the “Children’s Carnival of Art”. Selfless.

Princess Diana

Loved by people around the world, Princess Diana was a devoted mother to Princes William and Harry of Wales. She was the first wife of Charles, the Prince of Wales.

In spite of her royal status and public responsibilities, Princess Diana made time for her children. She personally took them to school, picked out their clothing and fulfilling her role as Princess second to being a mom. Devoted.

Michelle Obama with her family. Photo in public domain via White House.

Michelle Obama

Our current First Lady, Michelle Obama is not without notice. She’s an amazing mom. Due to her training, her children, Sasha and Malia are well mannered.

When our President is out running the country, Mrs. Obama is often with her children teaching them the importance of things like history and respect for education.

Mrs. Obama makes it a point of shielding her daughter’s as much as possible from the media. She does everything possible to give them a “normal” life.

Mrs. Obama seems to manage juggling her role as a mom with her role as First Lady quite well. She’s made it a point to even include the girls in trips abroad, which in turn helps provide them with a well rounded life.

Jacqueline Smalls

I’ll bet you’ve never heard of her have you? Well, she’s not famous in history. At least, not the history you’re familiar with. Jacqueline Smalls is my mom.

When writing about the greatest mothers in history, no writing would be complete without including my own mother.

My mom isn’t great because she’s my mom. She’s great because of all endured and how she managed to always to put her children first.

My mom has survived Guillain-Barré syndrome, a life threatening disorder that causes your immune system to attack your peripheral nervous system. She’s also survived a brain tumor that put her in a coma.

Still, my mother managed to put aside her own health issues to minister to the needs of others. When she was in the hospital struggling to survive, she shared her faith with other patients. She prayed for and encouraged them.

Growing up, my mother raised my sister and I by herself. She sacrificed to make sure we had the best of everything within her reach. Even as adults, my sister and I can count on my mom to help us out in times of difficulty.

I could go on and on about my mother but you get the picture.

These 5 mothers are the greatest in history not because of what they did for their children but because of the very fiber of their being. They couldn’t have been wonderful mothers if it weren’t part of their make up.

Author Bio: Michelle Howard Smith is a mom of a little boy with special needs. She writes a blog for special needs moms, Special Mom Space. Michelle encourages moms to prioritize their personal care, sharing alternative ways to ease stress and pain.

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