Hard-working veteran named ‘Best Mom’ for Mother’s Day

With 26 Maricopa mothers nominated by their family and friends and more than 2,000 votes cast at InMaricopa.com, Best Mom in Maricopa 2019 went to Adrian Basil, just in time for Mother’s Day.

The single mother of four children spanning more than 20 years, she is an equipment mechanic/technician and a veteran of the U.S. Air Force.

“I was shocked, actually,” Basil said. “It was nice just being nominated. I didn’t expect to win.”

Friend Kimber Shelton nominated her for the online contest.

“She is such a strong woman and an absolutely loving and amazing mother who does anything and everything she can for her children,” Shelton said.

Originally from Columbus, Ohio, Basil had already started a family when she followed her dream of joining the Air Force.

“I always wanted to, but I started out so young having kids that I wasn’t able to because I had them,” she said. “And then my brother helped take care of them. I was out here, and he was out here, so I was able to go to basic training.”

The military providing training that has landed her a career working on aerospace systems. Her oldest son, who is 23, still lives in Maricopa with friends. Her 21-year-old daughter recently moved to Florida. Still at home are a 14-year-old daughter and 2-year-old son.

“One of her children recently began battling some serious health issues that have led to hospital stays and continued treatment,” Shelton said. “This, of course, has taken such a toll on Adrian as a mother seeing her child struggle and wanting to do all she can to meet every need and get the best care possible. Even with help from loved ones, I can’t even imagine how difficult it must be to see your child struggle in such a way all the while trying to maintain daily needs and a stable and healthy environment for the rest of the family.”

As the first-place winner, Basil received a bouquet, a tumbler, a $50 Fry’s gift card, Gucci sunglasses from Maricopa Eye Care and a “Hot Lap” on the track at Apex Motor Club.

The second-place winner was Eva Bolden, who is raising seven kids. She was nominated by fiancé Isaiah Jernigan: “She does it all work, cook, clean, shop. She is patient and caring; that’s what makes her a good mother. She keeps our family happy on top of everything and shows everyone she meets unconditional love.” Bolden received a bouquet, a tumbler, a $50 Fry’s gift card and a family portrait photoshoot with photographer Victor Moreno.

The third-place winner was Kelsey Mitchell, the mother of four in a blended family, who has done it alone for seven months while husband Brian completed basic training for the Air National Guard. She was nominated by friend Shauna Perez: “Kelsey volunteers countless hours at the kids’ schools, leads worship at church, and runs a family boutique online. All of this while managing the demands of motherhood.” Mitchell received a bouquet, a tumbler and a $50 Fry’s gift card.

Learn about all the amazing Best Mom nominees at InMaricopa.com/Contests.