An 85-year-old Georgia woman graduated high school on Saturday – 67 years after her original graduation date – in front of her family and the community she constantly serves.
Shirley Smith of Americus was surprised to discover on her 85th birthday that she would soon receive an honorary high school diploma thanks to Eric Finch, Chief of Police of the Montezuma Police Department, for his dedication to her family and unwavering support of her education. During the last years. years.
“I'm grateful,” Smith told Fox News Digital in a video interview. “I think it's an honor and I think it's a blessing.”
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Smith grew up on a tobacco farm in Wilmington, North Carolina. In 1956, her father was pressed by the challenge of earning more to raise his six children after tobacco prices fell.
Smith and his brothers were then uprooted to Somerville, New Jersey.
Shirley Smith, 85, received an honorary high school diploma on Saturday, June 1, 2024. Members of her family surrounded her. (Brianna Robinson)
“I was in the 10th grade and I told him the biggest mistake I made was telling him I didn't want to go to school,” Smith said. “And he said, 'Go to work.'”
He first got a job in a dry cleaner and then in a handbag factory.
“Even when it snowed, they wanted to go to school.”
Shortly after, she married and started her own family, which later moved to Georgia.
Although she considered attending vocational school several times, her goals of caring for her children and raising her family took priority over a degree, she said.
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However, Smith said education was a priority in her home and if her children lived under her roof, they would receive an education.
They didn't seem to care.
“They actually cried to go to school. Even when it snowed, they wanted to go to school,” he said.
Today, Smith beams with pride having watched his children and grandchildren receive their education at Texas A&M, Montclair University, California State University, Fullerton, the University of Tampa and the University of Mississippi, among other schools.
Her family is equally proud of her for her life's achievements and feels that she is more than deserving of the honor.
“She always taught us to pursue our dreams and anything is possible if you keep faith in God.”
“My grandmother never missed any of her children's or grandchildren's high school or college graduations,” Brianna Robinson of Tampa, Florida, Smith's granddaughter, told Fox News Digital.
“I couldn't feel more honored and inspired. She always taught us to follow our dreams, and anything is possible if you keep faith in God.”
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Smith, a faithful churchgoer, has spent decades as a faithful Baptist working in and around her communities as a missionary, where she committed herself to caring for the sick and poor.
Shirley Smith welcomed her entire family to Georgia for a weekend of celebrating her high school graduation. (Brianna Robinson)
“I had family members who encouraged me to trust in God,” Smith said.
He added that his family was never left without shelter, food and clothing.
“We always had decent places to stay and I held on to my faith.”
Smith credits God for his diploma because he believes that His plan and his work through others is the reason why those who have experience instead of education still have the ability to be rewarded for their tireless efforts in the life.
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“I'm really grateful and very grateful to God,” she said. “I'm always trying to figure out what people see in me. I draw people, no matter what color they are, who they are; I just draw people.”
Tan Galia Robinson of California, Smith's daughter, said Finch, the police chief, was inspired by the heartfelt words spoken at his milestone birthday party. She shared a red velvet cake and was admired for her work as a mother and faithful steward.
Smith's entire family is proud to celebrate her life's achievements with her, some of them told Fox News Digital. (Brianna Robinson)
“He felt like it was theft not to give him his diploma,” Robinson said.
Smith, although nervous, was excited to wear a purple and white dress underneath her black cap and gown and looked forward to the surprises her family had planned for her all day.
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Regarding next steps and the prospect of going to college, Smith laughed that he is instead preparing to meet his maker.
“I'm getting ready to go to heaven, that's what I'm getting ready to do,” he said with a smile.
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“I'm going to get my reward from him,” he told Fox News Digital.
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