Charlotte Woman Celebrates 100th Birthday

May 3, 2024

Annie Mae Smith has lived a long time. Set to celebrate her 100th birthday on May 4, Smith’s journey spans a century of life, from a beginning in rural Georgia to her current home in Charlotte. Having witnessed Jim Crow, President Obama’s election, and everything in between, her life illuminates some of the struggles and triumphs of eras marked by segregation, economic hardship, and the continued resilience of Black Americans. As she approaches 100 years old, Smith shares some of her memories and hopes for the future with QCity Metro.

Annie Mae Smith, circa 1954. (Daija Peeler)

Annie Mae Smith was born in 1924 in Ailey, Ga. She was the youngest of four siblings. Smith said that her father was a sharecropper and worked “odd jobs” while her mother stayed at home, tending to their family’s needs. She was raised on a small farm with common animals such as pigs, goats, and mules. Growing up, she said she remembers not having to leave the small town very often because, at the time, it had everything she needed.

Annie Mae Smith, circa 1943. (Daija Peeler)

Although the Smith family lived without electricity or running water, she spoke of her childhood fondly, saying it was marked by “simple” pleasures. Smith told QCity Metro she was unaware that her family was impoverished because her parents ensured she and her siblings never went without.

Smith recalled that she and her siblings attended Hornes Chapel School, which had kindergarten through 12th grade. There, Smith played basketball, something less common for girls then. She said Sundays were also memorable to Smith, as they were a special time for the family.

At 18, she left her hometown to visit her older sister in Savannah, Ga, who had gotten married and moved away. To Smith, Savannah was an exciting city filled with new opportunities. So she stayed.

Annie Mae Smith with late husband Leroy Smith, date unknown (Daija Peeler)

When Smith was around 20 years old, on her way back to Savannah from a trip visiting relatives out of state, she met Leroy Smith, a WW II soldier she would later marry.

Smith now lives in Charlotte, where she has been with her daughter and son for the last three years. When she isn’t out shopping at Home Goods, one of her favorite stores, she spends time keeping up with local news, completing word circles, and watching old TV shows with the family’s cat sitting on her lap.

Annie Mae Smith with daughter and son. (Daija Peeler)

With the upcoming election, Smith reflected on the importance of voting and what it was like when she first approached voting age.

Smith’s family is planning a 100th birthday for her, and she said she’s looking forward to it.

“I just thank God that I was alive to see it,” Smith said about turning 100 years old. “God has been good to me over the years, and I can’t complain.”

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