Mary Timmons

For Ms. Mary Timmons, her children are her world. Whether it has been getting matching tattoos with her son for his 21st birthday or babysitting her grandchild, she has always taken care of those closest to her. And nothing shows Mary’s dedication more than what she has done for her middle child, Selena.  

Selena was born in 2003 and was diagnosed with Lennox Gusteau Syndrome at 8 months old. Lennox Gusteau Syndrome is a lifelong severe form of childhood onset epilepsy. A seizure left Selena with brain damage, inhibiting her development and paralyzing her stomach. Selena was given two years to live, but Mary refused to give up on her. 

Mary devoted all of her time to her daughter, and thanks to her sacrifice, Selena was able to live her life. She was runner-up for homecoming princess in second grade and participated in a youth club with other children. While Selena was in the youth club, the cheerleading team arrived at their door with a uniform and asked if she could be part of their team. Selena would spend the next few years attending competitions and even taking part in dance numbers.   

In 2018, Selena’s condition worsened, requiring her to need a tracheotomy, a procedure that creates an alternative airway to breathe. While Mary had avoided nursing before, her only other option would be for Selena to be placed in a facility. Initially, Mary only had nurses help Selena with this new need a few days a week; however, after her son had an ATV accident, the Private Duty Nursing increased. 

Because of Private Duty Nursing, Mary was finally able to return to school, get her nail technician license, and follow her passion as a professional manicurist. Private Duty Nursing gave Mary the opportunity to better provide for her children while trusting in Selena’s constant care. 

When Selena turned 21, Mary received news from her insurance company that Selena faced significant cuts to her private duty nursing. Selena would be losing over two full days per week of care despite no changes in her health or condition. Mary tried reaching out to her local representatives and her commissioner but was told that there was nothing to be done.  

One night while scrolling through articles online, she found the Tennessee Justice Center. There, she connected with Emily Jenkins, who worked ceaselessly to help Mary and Selena keep the care they needed. Emily represented Mary in court, and after an initial loss at hearing, TennCare has agreed to continue her services while it re-examines its processes and supports for transition planning for young adults aging out of child benefits.

For Mary, the Tennessee Justice Center means hope. Mary had nowhere else to turn for Selena, and Emily was able to ask questions to doctors and providers that Mary would never have thought of otherwise. Thanks to her help and the help of the Tennessee Justice Center, Mary continues to have hope that she can continue to advocate for her daughter: “My little family is a tight knit family. They’re very close, and that’s how it should be.” “You can’t have the world, but with me and my kids, I think I do.”  

The Tennessee Justice Center is proud to honor Mary Timmons as a 2026 Mother of the Year for her advocacy and care for her daughter. 

Photo by John W. Edwards