An 85-year-old Georgia woman receives an honorary high school diploma: "I am truly grateful to God."

On Saturday, an 85-year-old Georgia woman graduated from high school, 67 years after her original graduation date, surrounded by her family and the community she has faithfully served.

On her 85th birthday, Shirley Smith of Americus was surprised to learn that she would receive an honorary high school diploma due to Eric Finch, the chief of police at Montezuma Police Department, recognizing her commitment to her family's education.

"Smith expressed gratitude in a video interview with Planet Chronicle Digital, stating, "It's an honor and a blessing.""

In 1956, due to a decline in tobacco rates, Smith's father faced the challenge of increasing his income to support his six children, who grew up on a tobacco farm in Wilmington, North Carolina.

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

"Smith stated that he was in the 10th grade when he confessed to his friend that he believed the biggest mistake he made was revealing that he didn't want to attend school. In response, his friend advised him to seek employment."

She first worked at a dry cleaner's before moving on to a pocketbook factory.

"Even when it was snowing, they wanted to go to school."

She later married, started a family, and relocated them to Georgia.

She prioritized caring for her children and raising her family over pursuing a vocational degree, she stated.

Smith stated that education was a top priority in her household, and her children would receive one if they resided under her roof.

They didn’t seem to mind.

Despite the snow, they were eager to attend school, as evidenced by their tears, she stated.

Smith is proud that her children and grandchildren have received their educations from various schools, including Texas A&M, Montclair University, California State University, Fullerton, University of Tampa, and University of Mississippi.

Her family is equally proud of her for her lifetime of accomplishments and believes she is more than deserving of the honor.

"She always taught us to chase our dreams, and all things are possible if you keep faith in God."

Brianna Robinson of Tampa, Florida, a granddaughter of Smith's, shared with Planet Chronicle Digital that her nana never missed a high school or college graduation for any of her children or grandchildren.

"I am deeply humbled and motivated. She consistently encouraged us to pursue our passions, and anything can be achieved through belief in God."

For decades, Smith, a devoted Baptist, has devoted herself to serving her communities as a missionary, focusing on caring for the sick and impoverished.

Smith stated that his family members motivated him to have faith in God.

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

"I clung onto my faith, as we consistently had acceptable lodgings."

Smith attributes her diploma to God, believing that His plan and the work of others enabled her to achieve success despite lacking experience or formal education.

"She expressed her gratitude and appreciation to God, and she always wondered what others saw in her. Despite their differences, she drew people of all colors and backgrounds."

Smith's daughter, Tan Galia Robinson of California, stated that Finch, the police chief, was moved by the heartfelt words spoken at her milestone birthday party. A red velvet cake was shared and she was praised for her work as a mother and devoted steward.

Robinson stated that he felt it was unfair not to award her diploma.

Despite feeling anxious, Smith was thrilled about wearing a purple-and-white dress under her black cap and gown and eagerly anticipated the surprises her family had planned for her on her special day.

Smith joked that instead of preparing for college, she is preparing to meet her maker.

She stated with a grin, "I am preparing to journey to heaven."

She informed Planet Chronicle Digital that she would receive her reward from him.

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