Community honors ‘Texas Yankee’
“It is a beautiful life, God has blessed me truly with family, community and church.”
—Ellen Abston
The parade was small for Spring Fling this year in Bryans Mill, Texas—six entries, including the two bicycles.
The big surprise, however, was for Ellen Abston. She’s a Michiganite who finally got her Texas wings this day of celebration May 2.
This is after more than 50 years and 19 great-grandchildren for her in Texas.
Everyone in Bryans Mill knows Theta Ellen Abston and knows she’s a little different. She gets things done for sure.
“It’s heartwarming to say she’s nosy, but we love her, and she’s the best of the best,” said a laughing Betty Moon, as she presented Ellen an armful of flowers, plaque, photograph and diadem.
“I’m a Texas Yankee,” Ellen told the crowd in agreement.
The Spring Fling Queen Award is now almost traditional, yet it had been a complete surprise to Ellen.
She’s president of Ladies of Bryans Mill and Friends, which puts on the fling and also puts out the very successful cookbook, which has funded so many community improvements in its 11 years.
Ellen usually knows everything.
“Well, when I asked what theme and honoree we were going to have this year, no one was interested. They just walked away from me,” Ellen said of the rough treatment that moment.
So it was with surprise as Ellen sat on the bench on the grounds of the Scott Elliott Pavilion waiting for opening ceremonies when her good friend Betty Moon slipped around from behind and presented her with a bouquet of roses.
“In appreciation for 11 years of service as organizer and president of the Ladies of Bryans Mill and Friends. For your dedication, faithfulness and love for the betterment of our community,” her plaque read.
The ladies and others built the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church’s fellowship hall, furnished it with new appliances, added the pavilion outside, provide an annual youth scholarship and help others when called upon—all from the sale of the cookbook and fundraisers.
Ellen got to Texas by way of the late Wendell Abston whom she met when living in Michigan, and he came there to work and help a relative. They married in 1951.
Ellen said the relation was as perfect as two imperfect people could make it.
Ellen was prepared for Texas except the humidity, she said. Her Michigan family lived on the farm and seldom went to town. Once here in Texas, Ellen seldom has felt the need to leave.
Her children are Bobby Abston of Dalton, Ronnie Abston of Denison, and Theta Jo Abston Hicks of Naples.
“It is a beautiful life, God has blessed me truly with family, community and church,” she said.
Then she explained, “I want everyone to know one person could not have made these accomplishments for Bryans Mill.
“When we say the Ladies of Bryans Mill and Friends, we mean everyone in this community because everyone is a member. You help when called upon.”
Well, now that she has brought this up, there are two more items up for future consideration, the community seems to think, Ellen tells.
“First, we need a choo-choo train for our children to ride in during Spring Fling days. We’re looking.
“And second, there’s this old house someone has just brought into the center of Bryans Mill and just left it. It’s stripped down. Everyone wants me to get rid of it. I’m supposed to go see the judge one of these days.”
These will be two of her queen activities for the coming year, it appears.
The grandmother has one accomplishment of her own left to make, she said, with last words that will surely be remembered.
“It’s about these three children, eight grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren I have,” she said.
“I was going to get them together and tell them what causes all of this,” she said.