Miller Grove News

by Brandon Darrow

Saturday before last, I took a day trip to Austin, TX to see my cousin, Clinton Millsap, at his art show.  He is a great artist and had over 90 drawings displayed and for sale that he had created in a 90-day time frame.  He had drawings of all shapes, sizes, and colors hanging on the walls.  He can draw pretty much anything – from butterflies to beasts that look like the came from a different planet.  If anyone would like to check out his artwork you can go to his website:  www.clintonmillsap.com.  You can always look him up on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram to see his latest creations.  Now, you’re probably wondering how any of this has a connection to good ole Miller Grove?  Well, I’ll tell you:  I’m sure many of you will remember Clinton’s father, Charles Millsap.  He went to school at “The Grove”, as did Charles’ sisters – Elizabeth Millsap and Patricia Millsap.  Charles’ parents, Uncle Charlie and Aunt Ruthie Millsap, lived just west of Miller Grove in the old Maude Wise house.  Parts of the house are still standing but it has really deteriorated over the years.  But yes, Clinton does have ties to our community even though he lives in Spring, TX near Houston.  So, if you have a free moment you can check out some of his works.

Thursday night, Dec. 8, there was a Christmas Concert at the school, held in the High School Library.  1st-5th grade students performed one song per grade level and Mrs. Bryant’s high school choir class sang various Christmas songs for about 30 minutes.  All the students did a great job and the library was so packed full of students, parents, family members, and faculty that many of us had to stand outside in the hallway to listen.

Congratulations to the Sparks family on the birth of Roman Paul McDonald on Dec. 8.  His parents are Joe and Sue Ann (Sparks) McDonald.  He came into the world weighing 6.58 lbs and was 20 inches long.  His MG grandparents are Stephen and Fran (Christian) Sparks.  Great-grandparents that live in Miller Grove are William and Bertha (Davis) Sparks.

Another addition to the Miller Grove/County Line area is the daughter of Cole and Jayna Middleton.  I’m a little late with sending out congratulations on the birth of little Jaydie Lane Middleton, since she was born Nov. 18.  She weighed 6 lbs, 14 oz, and was 19.75 inches long.  Bobby and Robin (Garrett) Middleton are very proud grandparents.  Mac & Sandra Garrett and Lavelle and the late Bob Middleton, all of Miller Grove, are the great-grandparents of Jaydie and her big brother Coleson.

Sunday afternoon, Dec. 11, County Line Baptist Church had a dedication service for their new building.  Thelya Bone and I went and enjoyed the service and the refreshments afterwards in County Line’s Family Life Center.  The large new sanctuary was almost full of church members and guests that day.  The program began at 2 pm with a welcome from Bro. Wayne Darty.  Pattie Lennon and Sandra Garrett played the piano and the church choir sang a song or two.  There were several guest speakers that day.  Bro. Jimmy Tarrant, Bro. Jeff Thompson, and Bro. Jim Barksdale all reminisced about their times as pastor of County Line.  Bro. Ray Crumpton was also slated to speak but was unable to make it that day.  Lewis Watts gave a history of the church and a slideshow and video were presented showing the previous churches and the progress on the current building as it was being constructed.  The Garmon Girls (Christi, Cheryl, & Sara) sang two specials and Bro. Paul Allison also delivered a song that day.  Two individuals were baptized during the service and one of the folks from the Baptist Men’s group spoke about the part they played in getting the new church finished.  It was nice to see the little kids had a part in the dedication – they sang a couple of Christmas songs for the audience.  After Bro. Ken Pate gave a short message we were dismissed with a benediction from Bro. Stevie Tipps.

My sympathies go out to the family of Ward Cooksey this week.  Mr. Cooksey passed away Dec. 10 and was buried Dec. 12 in Reilly Springs Cemetery.  Mr. Cooksey taught at Miller Grove HS for several years.  I was privileged enough to be a student when he was a teacher at the school and also a co-worker of his when I became a faculty member.  There was never a time that I didn’t meet Mr. Cooksey in the hallway that he wasn’t smiling and would have a word of encouragement for me.  I never was a pupil in any of his math or history classes but I know he was a good teacher and was a good friend to all of us that worked with him.

The PTO held their annual Jingle Bell Shop from Dec. 14-16.  They started the Jingle Bell shop about 8 or 10 years ago, I would say.  It is a way for the PTO to make some extra funds while giving students a place to buy relatively cheap Christmas gifts for friends and family.  I’m not sure yet how much money was made but even if the profit margin is slim, it’s still a good way to help students be able to buy presents without breaking the bank.

Please keep Faye Tipps in your prayers.  She fractured her pelvis a couple of weeks ago and has been in a good deal of pain.

Attention all dad’s with daughters:  Pre-K thru 5th grade Father/Daughter dance will be coming up before you know it.  The date is set for Feb. 11, 2017.  More details to come as the dance approaches.

As you travel the highways and byways don’t forget that all roads lead back home and back to Miller Grove. Please send me any newsworthy information. My email address is [email protected].

Author: Staff Reporter

Share This Post On