A woman from Louisiana has revealed the secret to her long life, while celebrating her 106th birthday.
Arnita Bennett Smith from Monroe in the northern part of the state, has lived through world wars, the civil rights movement, the invention of television, and the rise of the digital age.
Incredibly, the centenarian who was born in 1919 continues to live an independent life and still cooks for herself.
‘I like oxtails, pig tails, all that, chicken. I can cook it,’ she told KNOE 8.
Smith says the secret to it all is her ‘faith’, which she says has been the cornerstone of her long life.
‘I’m doing fine. The Lord is blessing me and I’m still able to move around,’ she said gratefully.
She says it is faith that has helped her through times of hardship, carried her through moments of illness, and kept her spirit strong.
As she marked another milestone birthday she was surrounded by several generations of her family all gathering to celebrate her extraordinary life.
Arnita Bennett Smith from Monroe in northern Louisiana has just celebrated her 106th birthday
Smith has lived through world wars, the civil rights movement, the invention of television, and the rise of the digital age
The centenarian was surrounded by her family on her birthday including a city official
But there was no grand party or even a cake filled with candles. Smith said that just having her family close to her and feeling their love was more than enough.
And she says that even on days when she wasn’t feeling her best, the presence of her family has helped to lift her spirits, carrying her through life’s toughest moments.
While many centenarians live with caregivers or in assisted living facilities, Smith remains fiercely self-sufficient, only asking for help when she truly needs it.
Smith has lived her entire life in Northeast Louisiana. She and her late husband founded First Pilgrim Baptist Church in Monroe, a place of worship that remains an important part of her family’s life to this day.
Her granddaughter, Laconstica Smith, says she has learned a lot from her grandma.
‘You can’t measure that. That type of wisdom, that type of love, that type of grace,’ Laconstica said.
Smith says the presence of her family has helped to lift her spirits, carrying her through life’s toughest moments
Councilwoman Juanita Woods spoke of her admiration for Smith, announcing how the city would be honoring her with an official proclamation
The centenarian who was born in 1919 continues to live an independent life and still cooks for herself
It’s not just her family who recognizes the impact she has had – even city officials have taken note of Smith’s extraordinary journey.
Councilwoman Juanita Woods spoke of her admiration for Smith, announcing how the city would be honoring her with an official proclamation, recognizing her as one of Monroe’s oldest and most treasured residents.
‘I’m so happy to know Ms. Smith,’ Woods said. ‘Ms. Smith has a beautiful spirit, a beautiful personality. She is an amazing, an amazing lady.’
