Edith Renfrow Smith: Trailblazer and Historical Witness Passes at 111

Edith Renfrow Smith, a figure who experienced a century's worth of significant changes and milestones, passed away at her Chicago residence on Friday at the age of 111.

Smith was not only celebrated for her remarkable lifespan, placing her among the select group of supercentenarians, but she was also known for her encounters with prominent historical icons and her journey as a pioneering African American woman.

Early Life and Education

Born in Poweshiek County, Iowa, where Black residents were a minority of just 55 in a population of 20,000, Edith's life story began. Her grandfather, George Craig, had fled enslavement and secured a job as a barber in Grinnell. Her parents, Lee and Eva Renfrow, emphasized education despite their roles as a cook and laundress. Fueled by their belief in education as an enduring asset, all six of their offspring managed to attend college.

"My mother always asserted that education was the one treasure no one could take from you," Renfrow Smith shared with NPR's Scott Simon in an interview. Her family's dedication was evident when her older sister took employment to ensure their brother completed his studies at Hampton Institute in Virginia.

Renfrow Smith herself attended Grinnell College, situated nearby, and became its first Black woman graduate in 1937. During this period, she met aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart and fondly recalled the interaction as effortlessly amiable.

Professional Journey

Entering the workforce amidst the Great Depression, when economic disparities starkly affected Black individuals, Renfrow Smith found employment as a secretary in Chicago. She worked for the first African American congressman elected during that modern era. It was there she decided to pivot towards education, eventually dedicating 22 years to teaching in Chicago's public schools.

Personal Connections and Cultural Engagement

In 1940, Edith married Henry Smith, and the couple raised two daughters within the vibrant African American community on Chicago's South Side. Her connections extended to Chicago's cultural tapestry, where she mingled with distinguished figures such as poet Gwendolyn Brooks and civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Renfrow Smith also formed a lasting friendship with musician Herbie Hancock's family, underscoring her community's interconnectedness and her own grace and dignity.

A Legacy of Gratitude and Education

Following her retirement in 1976, Smith channeled her energy into volunteerism and indulging her culinary passion for pie-making. Ever a host, even late in life, she warmly welcomed guests, offering homemade delights well into her later years.

Her commitment to the future of science and education was evident in her participation in research studies at the University of Chicago, where she donated her remains to further knowledge in healthy aging and Alzheimer's.

Reflecting on the span of her life, she often remarked on the myriad experiences she endured, both favorable and challenging. Yet, her perspective remained optimistic; she encouraged others to greet each day with appreciation and kindness.