Edith Renfrow Smith is an inspirational Black woman who reached the age of 110 on July 14, 2024. Having spent most of her adult life in Chicago, she still considered the small Iowa town where she was raised to be home. Her deep roots in Grinnell, Iowa, reach back to when her grandfather came through town as a Freedom Seeker on the Underground Railroad. When she was born in 1914 there were only a few Black families in the area. She was the fifth of six children raised by Lee and Eva Pearl Renfrow. Her mother was the driving force in the lives of the children. Her daily affirmation of "No one is better than you" helped each believe they could overcome adversity. Despite poverty and racial obstacles, they would all attend college and have successful careers. In 1937, Edith became the first Black woman to graduate from Grinnell College. After college she moved to Chicago where she raised her family, but her ties to Grinnell remained strong throughout her life. She was a public school teacher for over 20 years, volunteered for over 40 years, and continued to inspire everyone she met. Designated as a "super ager" by Northwestern University, her story and her unwavering belief in the good in all people live on in this book, encouraging young and old alike to hold to the adage that "No one is better than you".
Author Monique McLay Shore reveals Edith's resilience, her determination to succeed, and the inspiration she gives to other people. Beautiful historically accurate illustrations by Erica L. Butler bring Edith to life both as a child with her family and later in the community. Extensive back matter and historic photos fill in the Renfrow family story.