Even though she just turned 106, Arnita Bennett Smith is still vivacious. With an unyielding faith and a strong spirit, the centenarian continues to live alone in her Monroe home, defying expectations.
Smith, a lifelong Northeast Louisiana resident, is largely self-sufficient. She simply asks for help when necessary and still enjoys preparing her favorite foods.
With a smile, she said to KNOE, “I like oxtails, pig tails, all that, chicken.” “I can cook it.”
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Smith and her late husband established First Pilgrim Baptist Church in Monroe, which remains a center of spiritual comfort for her and her family.
Even the city has noticed how long Smith has lived. Juanita Woods, Monroe’s District Three Councilwoman, said the city would issue a proclamation honoring Smith as one of the city’s longest residents.
“I’m so happy to know Ms. Smith,” Woods was quoted by Gray News. “Ms. Smith has a beautiful spirit, a beautiful personality. She is an amazing, an amazing lady.”
Her family members describe her as the heart of the family, imparting wisdom and love that has shaped generations.
“She is the one person that I know that holds fast to her religion, which is God. She believes in God from the day I was born to the present,” said her granddaughter, Arnita Smith.
Laconstica Smith, her great-granddaughter, agreed.
“Things that she has given me, money can’t buy. You can’t measure that. That type of wisdom, that type of love, that type of grace,” she said.
Smith was surrounded by her family as she celebrated her milestone birthday.
“What I did for my birthday? I was in the bed sick, but all them children come and I forgot I was sick,” she recounted. “They give me a good birthday.”
Many people are curious about what has kept her alive for so long, but Smith attributes her longevity to her faith.
“I’m doing fine. The Lord is blessing me and I’m still able to move around,” she said.
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