The lady known as “Miss Mildred” to people of the Silverhill community in Baldwin County died last summer after two years in a nursing home.
A sign in front of the small house she oc-cupied some 40 years recently declared that the property was for sale.
Tall azaleas and other bushes almost completely shielded the house from view. A window on one porch was slightly open to allow a cat access and discourage mice from taking up residence.
One tree on the lot was already very old when Scandinavians settled the area just over 100 years ago. Located at the rear of the property, the giant oak’s huge branches shelter a space about 100 feet in diameter. The lot also contains tall magnolias, a large fig tree and a multitude of other trees, bushes and flowers.
Neighbors remember Miss Mildred as “a real character” and “an outdoors type.” But she didn’t just work with her flowers — she also liked to hunt and fish. Folks say it was not unusual to see her heading home with several squirrels she had dispatched with her .22 caliber single-shot rifle.
During World War II, Miss Mildred was part of “Mr. Snook’s army.” The owner of the Baldwin County telephone company wanted to help defend the Gulf Coast against invasion by Germany. But most able-bodied men were serving in the armed forces. So Mr. Snook trained a group of local women to shoot guns and defend the coast. By all accounts, Miss Mildred was one of his best sharpshooters, able to shoot a cigarette out of his mouth.
Members of First Baptist Church, Silverhill, as well as other neighbors, tried to help the aging and individualistic Miss Mildred. The church members and other neighbors took plates of food, helped keep the grass cut and performed other deeds of kindness. Despite their efforts, most didn’t see much, if any, softening of her personality.
However, Rick Barnhart, pastor of the Silverhill church during the 1990s, said, “In the depths of her heart there was a softness that didn’t show to most people.”
About six or seven years ago, First Baptist’s members put a new roof on Miss Mildred’s house and replaced her back porch. She was overwhelmed and asked Bro. Barnhart, “Why are they doing this? I don’t deserve this.”
Brother Barnhart said, “She indeed made a profession of faith. She didn’t ‘bear fruit’ as we would like for folks to do. She didn’t want to hurt others,” he said. “She didn’t want to be offensive. She wanted to be as helpful as she could, but she didn’t know how. It is difficult for some people who have led very private lives to become more public.”
He noted Miss Mildred’s home was dear to her. “She loved her flowers and her trees. It was a little spot of heaven for her.”
Now, thanks to the efforts of Christians who showed they cared, Miss Mildred has more than just a “little spot” of heaven.
Most of us know people nearby who don’t quite “fit in.” When we extend God’s grace to them, we can leave the results to Him.
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