Faith, family guide state’s model mother

Mary Kate Brearley Glasser has a simple philosophy when it comes to being a good mother — make your children a priority, listen to them, and model the importance of faith and family.

These are the guidelines the 82-year-old followed while raising her own four children and the principles that have distinguished her as the state’s model mother for 2008.

The Columbia woman has been named South Carolina Mother of the Year by the South Carolina Mother’s Committee, an affiliate of American Mothers Inc.

“I’m pleased to represent the mothers of South Carolina,” Glasser said during the formal presentation in Columbia late last week. “Parenting is an awesome responsibility. It requires a lot of prayer, energy, sacrifice, time and love.”

“The most important thing a parent can give a child is time, not things,” she added. “I spent some time each day with each child alone and always planned a time for the entire family to be together.”

That togetherness was evident last week as Glasser’s four adult children were on hand to see her publicly honored for what they’ve privately witnessed for years.

“She is led by faith,” said Dr. William DuBose Brearley of Lexington Family Practice and the oldest of the four siblings. “She taught us her values and gave us a sense of worth that we were special.”

“I think that through her we all learned to value relationships and people more than we do things,” said her daughter, Margaret Rogers Brearley Mitchum, principal of Pleasant Hill Elementary School in Lexington.

Also on hand last week were Glasser’s sons, Robert Montgomery Brearley of St. Simons Island, Ga., and John Cecil Brearley of Greer. Both are Presbyterian ministers.

“I really can’t take any credit,” Glasser said regarding her children’s success. “I feel like the Lord sent them to me and it was my responsibility to take care of them for him.”

Glasser is credited by those closest to her as someone who sees things through.

“Whatever Mary Kate undertakes, she accomplishes it with integrity, enthusiasm and a gentle spirit,” GraceAnn Taylor wrote in one of Glasser’s nomination letters. “Her entire life demonstrates a humble servant’s heart.”

Mary Wardlaw, who has known Glasser 28 years, listed character, integrity, honesty and a strong sense of humor among her biggest attributes.

“Besides all of this, she’s just a true friend, always there when you need a helping hand,” Wardlaw wrote in her letter.

Glasser was born in Florence and graduated from Marion High School. She earned her bachelor’s degree in business from Winthrop and a master’s degree in exceptional children and administration from the University of South Carolina. A longtime educator, she was named the outstanding special educator in the state in 1977 by the South Carolina Council for Exceptional Children.

“I feel that every child is a gift from God,” Glasser said during her acceptance speech last week.

Glasser was originally married to the late Rev. Cecil Brearley and then to Floyd Glasser, who is also deceased.

She will be honored in the coming months during a reception at the Governor’s Mansion, and her name will be submitted for national Mother of the Year consideration.