Turning 110 and Becoming a Supercentenarian

Mrs. Renfrow Smith celebrating her 110th birthday. Photo credit Valeriya Woodard '25.

In the lead up to her 110^th birthday on July 14, Chicago Sun-Times journalist Neil Steinberg made his fourth annual visit with Mrs. Renfrow Smith. His article lovingly captures the lively spirit of the “supercentenarian” as she bakes herself a sour cherry pie and banters with her daughter, Alice Frances Smith. Ashlee Rezin’s photographs offer a deeply moving visual to Mrs. Renfrow Smith’s embrace of life and her message to all: “Don’t let life pass you by. Remember, this is your life. It’s wonderful to live long enough to enjoy just being here.”

Mrs. Edith Renfrow Smith with daughter Alice Frances Smith and Grinnell College professor, Dr. Tamara Beauboeuf-Lafontant and Grinnell College student Valeriya Woodard '25.