Local Resident Celebrates 110 Years of Life: A Legacy of Love and Resilience
Edith Renfrow Smith, a renowned 'memory keeper' and living link to history, has left an indelible mark on the lives of those who knew her. Born in Iowa two weeks before the start of World War I, Edith's earliest memories date back to 1918, with vivid recollections of a neighbor who had lost both legs returning home after the war.
Throughout her extraordinary life, Edith remained connected to her roots, honoring her grandparents, born into slavery, and proudly sharing the story of her family's history. Her remarkable memory was not only impressive but also guided researchers in the SuperAging Research Initiative at the University of Chicago and a similar study at Northwestern University.
As a trailblazer for young women, Edith was revered at Grinnell College, where she became the first Black female graduate in 1937. She inspired generations with her steadfastness and perseverance, excellence, and unwavering faith that we can do better.
Edith's achievements extend beyond her academic pursuits; she worked as a secretary for Oscar De Priest, the first Black man elected to Congress, and later became an elementary school teacher. Her passion for teaching continued until her retirement in 1976, when she transitioned into volunteering at Goodwill and the Art Institute for nearly four decades.
In recognition of her life's work, Grinnell College named a dorm after her – Renfrow Hall – to encourage interaction between students and community residents. The college president Anne F. Harris described Edith as "a steadfastness and perseverance, excellence and a belief that we can do better."
As Edith reflected on her 110th birthday, she urged everyone to cherish their lives, remember the present moment, and make use of what they have. Her legacy will continue to inspire future generations with its message of love, resilience, and a life well-lived.
Edith Renfrow Smith may be gone, but her impact remains. As a 'memory keeper' and living link to history, she left an indelible mark on the lives of those who knew her, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire and motivate us all.
Edith Renfrow Smith, a renowned 'memory keeper' and living link to history, has left an indelible mark on the lives of those who knew her. Born in Iowa two weeks before the start of World War I, Edith's earliest memories date back to 1918, with vivid recollections of a neighbor who had lost both legs returning home after the war.
Throughout her extraordinary life, Edith remained connected to her roots, honoring her grandparents, born into slavery, and proudly sharing the story of her family's history. Her remarkable memory was not only impressive but also guided researchers in the SuperAging Research Initiative at the University of Chicago and a similar study at Northwestern University.
As a trailblazer for young women, Edith was revered at Grinnell College, where she became the first Black female graduate in 1937. She inspired generations with her steadfastness and perseverance, excellence, and unwavering faith that we can do better.
Edith's achievements extend beyond her academic pursuits; she worked as a secretary for Oscar De Priest, the first Black man elected to Congress, and later became an elementary school teacher. Her passion for teaching continued until her retirement in 1976, when she transitioned into volunteering at Goodwill and the Art Institute for nearly four decades.
In recognition of her life's work, Grinnell College named a dorm after her – Renfrow Hall – to encourage interaction between students and community residents. The college president Anne F. Harris described Edith as "a steadfastness and perseverance, excellence and a belief that we can do better."
As Edith reflected on her 110th birthday, she urged everyone to cherish their lives, remember the present moment, and make use of what they have. Her legacy will continue to inspire future generations with its message of love, resilience, and a life well-lived.
Edith Renfrow Smith may be gone, but her impact remains. As a 'memory keeper' and living link to history, she left an indelible mark on the lives of those who knew her, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire and motivate us all.
. 110 years is a huge milestone, and it's awesome to see how she made every moment count 
. From being the first Black female graduate at Grinnell College to working with Oscar De Priest, her dedication to making a difference is inspiring 
. What I find really beautiful about Edith's legacy is that she didn't just inspire those around her, but also reminded everyone to cherish their lives and live in the present moment 
. It's a powerful message that we can all learn from, especially as we get older. Her story is a testament to the fact that age is just a number and that with hard work, determination, and a positive attitude, we can achieve great things 
.
Edith's story is like a beautifully crafted layout 
- each part perfectly aligned, no unnecessary clutter 
. She's an example of living life to the fullest 
, inspiring people with her work ethic, kindness, and passion 
. And her message of cherishing life and making the most of what you have is so relatable 
. She may be gone, but her impact will continue to be felt for generations to come 
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And it's so sweet that her legacy lives on through Renfrow Hall 
, this is so inspiring! 110 years young is truly an incredible feat. Edith's story is a testament to the power of love, resilience, and determination. I mean, she's been teaching till she was 70+ years old! That's dedication. She's also got some serious historical cred with Oscar De Priest and being one of the first Black female graduates at Grinnell College. The fact that they named a dorm after her is amazing