Mrs. Emily G. Millsaps, 89, of Mountain City, Tenn., passed away on Saturday, February 27, 2016. She was born on May 27, 1926 to the late James William and Lucinda Stout Grindstaff. In addition to her parents, Emily was preceded in death by her husband, Claude Millsaps; a son, Richard “Rick” Millsaps; and brother, Florian Grindstaff.
Emily was an amazing lady who was very special to everyone who knew her. She touched many young lives in Johnson County, Tenn., as indicated by her 51+ years in education. Seeing those young children walk through the doorway into her classroom was all she needed to jump into action! She loved them dearly and each child knew it, no matter their age! Emily was a strong Christian and knew that God had blessed her with many gifts. She made it a habit to share these gifts with those she encountered each day.
A strong determination to succeed afforded her opportunities that many might have thought could never be accomplished. Emily achieved many wonderful things throughout her years, being president of this civic group or that church group, but perhaps one of her greatest accomplishments occurred in 1982 when she was elected as the first female Commissioner in Johnson County. Emily retained that position for 30 years.
It seems that Emily’s greatest joy, besides her family, was dedicating her time and talents to her church and her community. She was ALWAYS making a list to buy food for some civic event or cooking turkeys or chicken casseroles to serve at a community meal. She was ALWAYS serving and offering her “service with a smile” to everyone she met…..and that smile!!! It would melt the heart of anyone who knew her and would draw strangers to her.
It seems like she taught everyone in the county in one way or the other — you, your children, your grandchildren, maybe even your great-grandchildren. She let God’s love flow through her and His light gave her a purpose to share and give. Oh, that we all would be like that!! Our hearts may be full of sadness, but we must never forget this grand woman, the one who touched our lives so dearly.
She was a member of First Baptist Church of Mountain City, Maple Chapter #79 Order of the Eastern Star and the VFW Auxiliary.
Emily is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Anne and Allen Moody; grandsons, Christopher Moody (Jennifer) and Aaron Moody (Betsy); great-grandchild, Maxton Reese Moody; several cousins, three nieces and one nephew and many, many special friends, too numerous to name each of you.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 2, at the First Baptist Church. An Eastern Star service will follow at 8 p.m. The funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 3, at the First Baptist Church with Pastor Ricky Campbell officiating. Guest speaker will be Mr. John Payne. Special music will be provided by Glenda Gray, Jack Proffitt and Kody Norris. The graveside service and interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be John Muse, Terry Jordan, Jerry Jordan, Jerry Grindstaff, Richard Grindstaff and Danny Cullop. Honorary pallbearers are Johnson County School Employees, Johnson County Government Employees, First Baptist Church Preschool Teachers, Blue Ridge Senior Living Staff, VFW Auxiliary members, and members Eastern Star. For those who wish, memorial contributions in Emily’s name may be made to the Alzheimer’s NC, 1305 Navaho Drive, Suite 101, Raleigh, NC 27609 or by visiting their website at www.alznc.org. The family wishes to express their appreciation and gratitude to the staff of Blue Ridge Senior Living of Mountain City, Tenn., and Gabriel Manor Assisted Living of Clayton, N.C., for all of their wonderful care given to Emily throughout the years. The family would also like to thank the staff of Bryan Lee Funeral Home of Garner, NC for all of their assistance and care. At other times, the family will receive friends at the home, 525 Circle Drive, Mountain City, TN 37683. Condolences may be sent to the family through our website at www.mountaincityfh.com.
The family of Mrs. Emily Millsaps has entrusted her services to Mountain City Funeral Home, 224 S. Church Street, Mountain City.