CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – (CLARKSVILLENOW) What better way to recognize our latest Hometown Hero than to do it over the holiday season when thoughts of family are so important. Our November Hometown Hero is Mary King, a very busy lady whose who is devoted to her family.
King is a stay at home mom with four children, Richard, Thomas, Victoria and Connor. Two of her youngsters also need special care, Victoria has cancer and Connor has asthma. Speaking of heroes, King says her husband, Brandon, who nominated her for the honor is her hero.
King was surprised at being selected as a Hometown Hero and even though she said she has plenty on her plate she didn’t see any of it as heroic. She mentioned some of the accomplishments of others that have been recognized and was thankful but couldn’t understand why people would vote for her.
She talked about times she helped a friend or stranger, offered blankets and food to a homeless person, given money and food to people asking for help with a cardboard sign or paid a bill when someone was having a rough time. King says these are actions of common decency and compassion, not heroism.
For her daughter and youngest son with health issues, she says the medication schedules are strict, and the appointment load is quite a juggling act. The family bears emotional scarring from Victoria’s battle with cancer but now she is stable and by the grace of God she is doing well.
Not only is there a loving husband and four wonderful kids in King’s life, let’s not forget about the four dogs, three cats and rabbit they have rescued. Now she admits most of them came right up to their house asking for help.
The family tried to find the animals owners but were unsuccessful and didn’t have the heart to turn them away or turn them over to a shelter. It’s easy to see that everything going on with the King family makes for a very full and busy household.
There’s also one more very important aspect of King’s busy life. For the past two years she has been taking night classes at Daymar College and was recently presented with her Associates Degree in Network Support Administration.
King praised her husband saying he fully supported my returning to school, and all the inconveniences that came with it. She added that they were both military brats who grew up to serve in the military themselves.
“I am honored and humbled to have won “Hometown Hero” for November, as there are so many people and organizations in Clarksville that are beyond worthy of the title. Thank you for bringing to light the good that is accomplished in the community, amidst all the negativity and tragedy as of late. Thank you for acknowledging even such a tiny light as mine,” said King.
Nominations for Hometown Hero for December are going on now through December 18 with voting to determine the final winner taking place December 19-31. A $400, monthly prize is given to the Hometown hero with the most votes.
To find out how to nominate that special person you know that shares their selfless spirit with the community go to Hometown Hero on Clarksvillenow.com. Hometown Hero is brought to you by Appleton Harley-Davidson, Jodi’s Cabinets, Melinda Kelly-Major and Planters Bank.