Johnnie Mildred Jones Millsaps was born the first child of Sylvester and Arlin Jones on her family’s farm in rural Choctaw County, she will celebrate her 100th birthday on March 9, 2024. Through her years on this earth she has loved, lost, and lived life with no regrets. She embodies what has become known as the Greatest Generation and a Proverbs 31 woman.
Mildred attended school at what is now Fellowship Baptist Church in Choctaw County - walking to school or riding a wagon on occasion. She graduated from Mathiston High School in 1942. At the age of 22, Mildred and her younger sister, Berneta, supported the United States’ war-effort as they would board a train in Mathiston and travel to West Point to work at Woolworths and Knickerbocker, respectively. During this time she met a handsome young man, Mick Milsaps of the Cario Community of Clay County and fell head over heels. The two would marry on July 18, 1946, in Clay County and build a life in rural Clay County. The couple managed to have enough nieces and nephews and neighborhood children to love and spoil throughout their years together. Mrs. Millsaps has been a true homemaker through her beautiful flower gardens to “putting up” vegetables each year to quilting and crocheting. A treasured wedding gift is a Miss Mildred doily or crochet piece. Ask any of her family members and they are quick to tell you, “A Christmas gift of Aunt Mildred’s pickles or jelly.” has always been a prized possession.
When asked what the secret to living this long is, Mrs. Millsaps said, “Always stay busy. Keep your hands busy.”
Mrs. Millsaps, along with her family and friends would like to thank those who attended her very special birthday celebration on Sunday, March 3.
