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She was nominated by her daughter, April Smith.

"When I called and told her, she said, 'Really? You're kidding.' Then, she started to cry," April said.

"I was in shock," Sue said.

Here is the letter April submitted to The Leader:

Why my Mom is always my Mother of the Year

If anyone has ever met my mom, they know why I feel the way I do about her. It is not just because she is my mom, it is because of the woman she is. My mother has always set an example for me on being devoted. Being devoted to her children, her job and to her marriage. My mother goes way beyond exceeding expectations in everyone of those categories.

You see, I have two other sisters who would agree with me if they were here. Both of my sisters had Cystic Fibrosis. My older sister, Tracy, passed away at the age of 13 in 1984 and my younger sister, Angel, passed away at age 18 in 1994.

So, not only did my mom work full-time and take care of three spunky girls, she also had to take care of two of her daughters, who were sick and face every day she would outlive them. My mom always did her best to give us everything we needed and wanted, even when the money was not there to give. We would have beauty contests and, of course, we all won in some category. We would dance to music and act out music videos. There was always something to find fun in, no matter what the situation.

When my sisters would have to go to the hospital for treatments, she would stay right there with them and would never leave them alone. As I got older, I had the chance to share some of that responsibility so my parents could work and I could help. My mom always worked, and still found time to be a great mom. I don't know ho my mom did it for so many years. I thank God every day she did, though. I love my mom more than I could express to her. I look up to her for 36 years of marriage, her work ethic (and she still works three different jobs!) and most of all, for being such a wonderful mother even when things were not so wonderful for her.

I am now 33 years old and still look up to my mom. I ask her for advice, for a hug or just to listen and she is always there.

I pray my mom could touch your heart like she touches mine.

- April Smith, proud daughter of Sue Adkins