Ava McDonnell 
This Mother’s Day, we are continuing to honor local women whose love shapes their own families and impacts entire communities. Bethany Lowery is one of those mothers. A mother of three boys in Winter Garden, Bethany’s life is defined by service, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to showing up again and again.
What makes Bethany’s story especially special is her journey as a mom of a child who lives with autism. What began as navigating the complexities of raising a child with autism has grown into something far greater. Rather than allowing the challenges to overwhelm her, Bethany has met them with grace. She turned every obstacle into an opportunity to support not only her son, but countless other families walking similar paths.
“Bethany is someone deeply rooted in purpose and service,” said family and friends. “She is driven by compassion and follow-through, someone who does not just care in principle but actively builds things that support others, especially families walking similar paths.”
That passion led Bethany to create The Maddox Mission, an organization founded in honor of her oldest son. Through it, she has created a space where families feel seen and supported in moments when they need it the most.
But Bethany’s impact doesn’t stop there. She serves as President of her school’s Special Needs Parent Association, volunteers across all three of her children’s school divisions, and is a constant presence in their classrooms. Whether she’s collaborating with teachers, advocating with students, or simply offering encouragement to another parent, she shows up with authenticity and heart.
Although having a child with autism can require more attention, Bethany strives to make her other two sons not feel overlooked. From classroom involvement to sports sidelines, Bethany is especially remarkable in her ability to balance it all while ensuring each of her three boys feels equally valued.
“She is the true definition of a hands-on, devoted mother,” said family and friends. “showing up wholeheartedly in both the big and small moments.”
Her family explains that Bethany carries both resilience and tenderness, navigating the emotional and practical demands of motherhood with quiet courage. Her faith serves as her anchor, guiding her through hard moments and reminding her of the purpose each season. She believes that she has been placed exactly where she is meant to be and that is how she stays motivated to show up each day.
When asked what tips might be helpful for other autism parents, this is what her family and friends said:
“For other parents, the most personal “tips” reflected in her journey are not just strategies, but rhythms of the heart:
- Showing up, even when it is exhausting, because presence matters more than perfection.
- Learning to celebrate progress in small, meaningful steps.
- Giving yourself grace when things do not look balanced every day.
- Holding tightly to faith and purpose when things feel isolating.
- Remembering that loving one child well does not mean losing yourself as a parent to the rest.”
Through The Maddox Mission and her work within the school community, Bethany has become a bridge for others. Her approach is about consistent, meaningful presence like remembering names, listening deeply, and making people feel like they belong.
“What stands out is not one defining moment,” said her family. “It is the image of her moving between roles in a single day, supporting her son’s needs, making sure her other boys get where they need to be for school or sports, checking in with another parent, and still showing up with a calm, steady presence.”
Bethany’s journey reminds us that motherhood is not about perfection. It’s about showing up when it’s hard, celebrating small victories, and extending grace to yourself along the way.
“I would want her to know that her love is felt deeply,” said her family and friends. “The way she mothers, serves, and leads with faith is leaving a lasting imprint on her children and on so many others, often in ways she may never fully see, but that are profoundly real to those around her.”
Do you know a mother whose story deserves to be told? Submit your nomination and help us continue to share the powerful journeys that shape our community.
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