COLUMBIA, S.C. - A 74-year-old grandmother from Barnwell has been named South Carolina's Mother of the Year.

Jean Belcher was honored Wednesday at a tea hosted by First Lady Jenny Sanford at the Gov.'s Mansion.

She shook hands and hugged nearly 250 well-wishers as her husband of 51 years, retired minister Posey Belcher, stood by her side.

Nearby, her 15-month-old grandson Noah Ponde pounded the piano in the drawing room.

Belcher is the mother of four and has five grandchildren. She said her philosophy on motherhood included devoting time to the needs of her children, providing them with a loving and spiritual home and teaching them responsibility.

"And as they grow, guide them," Belcher said, her voice full of motherly love and pride. "In our family, it worked."

Daughter Elizabeth Mixon, a musical educator in Rock Hill, said her mother deserved the award for her guidance.

"She knew when to wear the right hat. She knew when I needed just a listening ear. Even when I didn't ask, she knew when I needed advice," Mixon said. "I never remember her raising her voice."

Two of her grandchildren have a different reason she deserves the award - they say she makes excellent macaroni and cheese.