‘I’m really thankful to God’

An 85-year-old Georgia woman graduated from highschool on Saturday — 67 years after her original would-be graduation date — in front of her family and the community she steadily serves.

Shirley Smith of Americus was shocked to seek out out on her eighty fifth birthday that she would soon receive an honorary highschool diploma because of Eric Finch, chief of police of Montezuma Police Department, for her dedication to her family and unabated support of their education over time.

“I’m thankful,” Smith told Fox News Digital in a video interview. “I believe it’s an honor and I believe it’s a blessing.”

Smith grew up on a tobacco farm in Wilmington, North Carolina. In 1956, her father was pressed with the challenge of earning more in an effort to raise his six children after tobacco rates fell. 

Smith and her siblings were then uprooted to Somerville, Latest Jersey.

“I used to be going to the tenth grade, and I told him, the largest mistake that I made, I believe, was telling him that I didn’t wish to go to highschool,” Smith said. “And he said, ‘Go to work.’”

First, she took a job at a dry cleaner’s, then at a pocketbook factory. 

Shortly thereafter, she got married and began a family of her own, later moving them to Georgia.

Though she considered vocational school just a few times, her goals of caring for her children and raising her family took precedence over a level, she said. 

Smith said education was a priority in her home, nonetheless — and that if her children were going to live under her roof, they might receive an education.

They didn’t appear to mind.

“Matter of fact, they cried to go to highschool. Even when it was snowing, they desired to go to highschool,” she said.

Today, Smith is beaming with pride that she’s watched her children and grandchildren receive their educations from Texas A&M, Montclair University, California State University, Fullerton, University of Tampa and University of Mississippi, amongst other schools.

Her family is equally happy with her for her lifetime of accomplishments — and feels she is greater than deserving of the dignity.

“My nana never missed a highschool or college graduation for any of her children or grandchildren,” Brianna Robinson of Tampa, Florida — a granddaughter of Smith’s — told Fox News Digital. 

“I couldn’t be more honored and inspired. She all the time taught us to chase our dreams, and all things are possible in the event you keep faith in God.”

She added that her family never went without shelter, food and clothing.

“We all the time had decent places to remain, and I just held onto my faith.”

Smith credits God for her diploma as she believes His plan and work through others is the explanation those that have experience versus education still have the flexibility to be rewarded for his or her tireless efforts in life.

“I’m really appreciative, and I’m really thankful to God,” she said. “I all the time attempt to determine, What do people see in me? I draw people, irrespective of what color they’re, who they’re — I just draw people.”

Tan Galia Robinson of California, a daughter of Smith, said that Finch, the police chief, was inspired by the heartfelt words spoken at her milestone celebration. A red velvet cake was shared and he or she was admired for her work as a mother and faithful steward.

“He felt prefer it was robbery to not give her her diploma,” Robinson said.

Smith, though nervous, was enthusiastic about wearing a purple-and-white dress beneath her black cap and gown and looked forward to the surprises her family had planned for her throughout the day.

In regard to next steps and the prospect of faculty, Smith laughed that she is as a substitute preparing to satisfy her maker.

“I’m on the brink of go to heaven, that’s what I’m on the brink of do,” she said with a smile.

“I’m going to get my reward from him,” she told Fox News Digital.