Smith celebrates 100th birthday

Ella Smith rang in both the New Year and celebrated her 100th birthday with a party at Three Rivers Nursing Center Wednesday, Dec. 31. (Tribune photo / Marissa Holiman)

While many were getting ready to ring in the new year, Ella Frances Williams Smith was celebrating a milestone of her own. She, along with family and friends, celebrated her 100th birthday with a party at Three Rivers Nursing Center in Marked Tree.

Smith was born December 31, 1908 in Tyronza to the late Minnie Morgan Williams and Tom Williams. She is the eldest of the two sisters Jewel Corsel and Ella Mae and of the five brothers Oscar Reuben, Tommy, J.D., Mose and H.G. Of the eight offspring, only the two Ellas remain. Ella Mae, also known as, "Little Ella" or "Baby" lives in Chicago.

The first Ella, also called "Big Ella," was "Little Ella's" namesake. Their father, Tom, was to name the "Baby," but unfortunately he passed away before doing so. Minnie decided to let the baby name herself. Hence, the origin of the name "Baby." When the "baby" was old enough she named herself Ella in honor of big sister who had sacrificed so much and who had taken such good care of the family.

Ella has been on the battlefield for the Lord for a long time. She accepted Christ as her personal savior as the tender age of eleven. She was baptized in the Tyronza River and joined Steel Bridge Baptist Church. Later she united with the Union Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Gilmore where she has been a member for more than 70 years.

Rev. G.C. Simpson, Sr. is her pastor. He also became a centurion in June of 2008. Ella was a faithful member of the Union Grove where she served dutifully until her health failed. She served as president of the choir, president and supervisor of the usher board, Sunday school teacher and was a member of mission society.

Smith was born December 31, 1908 in Tyronza to the late Tom and Minnie Williams.

Ella is known for her carpentry skills and her love to beautify the church. Not only did she work in the church, but she also served on the Gilmore Neighborhood Action Council. She was a domestic worker both in and outside of the house. She worked both in the South and the North.

Ella is a virtuous woman who tries to keep others from erring by telling them how to live right. She is well studied and well versed in the Bible. She is a petite Bible toting lady who can always be seen caring on the work of the Lord.

One of her favorite songs to sing is "A Seat in the Kingdom." Ella is a virtuous and modest woman who boldly proclaims the gospel. Even though she's now a century old, she is still very much a child at heart and who has a winning smile so warm it can melt the coldest heart.

Ella lovingly cared for her ailing mother and brother until their passing. Ella has a sister-in-law, Clemmie Williams who resides in Fayetteville; a nephew that she helped rear, Jesse Lofton of Seattle, Wash.; a niece, and care taker, Delois Jackson, Sr., of Gilmore and great nieces and nephews, including Velvin Jackson and sons of Boiling Brook, Ill.; Marion Jackson and sons of Marion; Reena and daughters of Turrell; Daryel Jackson and children of Gilmore, Jaryel Jackson and children of Conway; Debbie Jackson of Marion and many other family, friends and well wishers from all over.

Ella has touched many lives in her 100 years either with stories of her childhood, discipline acts, love of giving in the church or her wisdom.

"Growing old is a blessing, but is sure is uncomfortable," Ella said.