Shirley Smith, an 85-year-old woman from Georgia, recently graduated from high school, 67 years after she was supposed to originally. Chief of Police Eric Finch of the Montezuma Police Department surprised her with an honorary diploma on her 85th birthday to honor her dedication to her family and their education. Smith grew up on a tobacco farm in North Carolina and moved to New Jersey when she was in the 10th grade. Despite wanting to further her education, she started working to help support her family and later moved to Georgia after getting married.
Education was always a priority in Smith’s home, and she made sure that her children and grandchildren received their educations from prestigious institutions. Her family is incredibly proud of her and believes she is deserving of the honor of receiving an honorary diploma. Smith credits her faith in God for her accomplishments in life and believes that God’s plan allowed her to be recognized for her hard work and dedication. She attributes her success and blessings to her unwavering faith.
Smith has spent decades as a faithful Baptist working as a missionary, caring for the sick and poor in her communities. Her family members have always encouraged her to trust in God, and they never went without basic needs. Smith is grateful for the recognition and honor bestowed upon her, and she believes that drawing people from various backgrounds is a testament to the impact of her faith and character. The police chief who presented her with the diploma was inspired by the heartfelt testimonials shared during her birthday celebration and felt it was necessary to recognize her achievements.
Despite her excitement about receiving her diploma and wearing a cap and gown at the graduation ceremony, Smith humorously shared that she is preparing to meet her maker and receive her reward in heaven. She is focused on her spiritual journey and expressed gratitude for the milestones and achievements in her life. Family members, including her daughter Tan Galia Robinson, recall the emotional and touching moments surrounding the decision to honor Smith with a diploma, highlighting her dedication as a mother and faithful steward. Smith’s commitment to her family and community has left a lasting impact on those around her.
Smith’s journey to obtaining her honorary high school diploma serves as a reminder of the importance of perseverance, faith, and dedication to one’s values. Despite the challenges she faced in pursuing her education, she made sure that her family members had access to quality education. Her story is a testament to the power of faith and the impact of a strong support system. With her unwavering faith and dedication to serving her community, Smith has left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire those around her.
