Older Americans - Sharing the Stories of East Texans
Area Agency on Aging of East Texas • August 2, 2021
Dr. Otis and Dr. Bennie Webster - Smith County
As part of the Area Agency of East Texas’ mission to represent and serve the senior population, Dr. Otis and Dr. Bennie Webster of Smith County were gracious enough to share their life story with us.
Dr. Otis and Dr. Bennie met at a young age and were smitten with each other ever since.
“I’ve been with him so long, I’ve probably been shaped by him in some of the things I do in life,” said Dr. Bennie.
Dr. Bennie received her Bachelor of Arts degree and teaching certification in 1974 from Texas A&M University in Commerce. She went on to earn her Master of Education with a certification in Special Education from Texas A&M Commerce in 1995. Furthering her degree, she received her Doctorate in 1990 from Texas A&M Commerce.
Along with numerous teaching positions, including most recently Tyler Junior College, Dr. Bennie has served her community in different roles. She has served as Board President of Discover Science Place, served as shelter manager of the critical needs shelter at TJC for Hurricane Rita, assisted in establishing emergency living shelters for Hurricane Katrina victims, and more non-profit ministries.
Dr. Otis received his Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education and Biology from Wiley College. He went on to earn his Master’s and Doctorate from Texas A&M Commerce. Working in the educational field, he held careers as a professor, worked in student affairs, and is currently a professor in the psychology department at Tyler Junior College.
When it comes to life mottos, Dr. Otis told a childhood story about the term ‘lollygag,’ meaning spend time aimlessly. However, to him, he termed it “lalogag” - Living a life of gratitude and gratefulness.
“I don’t have bad days,” he said. “I might have a bad moment, but a bad day, I quit having bad days 60 years ago.”
Speaking on the topic of growing older in a community that supports aging, Dr. Bennie laughed and said, “I wouldn’t say I’m an older person, I would say I’m a more seasoned person.”
She credited her health to physical activity, diet, peace, and staying active in the community.
“When you have peace in your life, it’s very easy to give back to people and reach out,” Dr. Bennie said.
“For me, it’s maintaining a healthy mindset and engaging in things that are healthy for me,” Dr. Otis said. “A healthy attitude and a healthy diet.”
A large part of the Webster’s life is the involvement with their non-profit program, Youth Keepers of America, which works with youth in the community and across the world to build skills in maintaining healthy relationships with others.
When asked about advice given to others about aging well, both spoke on finding your own path.
“You don’t have to swim upstream going against the current to be successful, nor do you have to swim downstream with the current to be successful,” said Dr. Otis. “My advice is to find your own stream and let it guide you.”
“Be true to yourself. Be who you are,” said Dr. Bennie. “Be the best person you can be and be who you are and be true to yourself and run your own race."
Each May, the Administration for Community Living leads the nation’s observance of Older Americans Month, and this year’s theme was “Champion Your Health.” In recognition of the month, the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas hosted three community events in Jacksonville, Marshall, and Athens, bringing together older adults, caregivers, staff, volunteers, and community partners to celebrate healthy aging and support older adults’ independence. More than 420 people attended the three events, where they received information and heard from experts on senior services, exercise programs, fraud and scams, and ways to take an active role in managing their health. Activities included on-site health screenings, evidence-based activity demonstrations, a Dementia Live demonstration, and the TxDOT Car Fit Program for Seniors. At some events, local officials also read proclamations recognizing May as Older Americans Month, including Cherokee County Judge Chris Davis, who presented the proclamation in Jacksonville. “We encourage older East Texans and their caregivers to connect with our agency to learn more about the resources and services available to help them live independently and remain active in their communities,” said Adrian Cornejo, ETCOG’s Director of the Area Agency on Aging. Special thanks to all event partners, sponsors, volunteers, AAA staff, and participants who helped make these Older Americans Month events a success!
Throughout May, the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas (AAA) will join organizations across the nation in celebrating Older Americans Month (OAM), led by the Administration for Community Living, honoring the important contributions of older adults in our communities. This year’s theme, “Champion Your Health,” encourages older adults to focus on the steps they can take to support their physical, mental, and emotional well-being, while highlighting the resources and community connections that help people age well. In recognition of Older Americans Month, AAA will host three special events at community locations across East Texas to celebrate older adults and share information about programs and services available to seniors and caregivers. Throughout the month of May, the Area Agency on Aging will also participate in additional events that promote the mental and physical health of our communities and recognize the many contributions older Americans have made, and continue to make, across the country. As the United States marks its 250th anniversary this year, Older Americans Month also offers an opportunity to reflect on the generations of older adults whose service, leadership, and life experiences have helped shape our nation, our state, and our local communities. “Older Americans Month is an important time to recognize the lasting contributions of older adults and the many ways they strengthen our communities,” said Adrian Cornejo, ETCOG’s Director of the Area Agency on Aging. “This year’s theme, Champion Your Health, reminds us of the importance of supporting healthy aging by connecting older East Texans with resources, services, and opportunities that help them live well and remain engaged.” The following OAM celebration events are free and open to the public and will feature information on services and supports available to East Texas seniors: Friday, May 15 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM First Christian Church 1920 Beaumont St. Jacksonville, Texas 75766 Wednesday, May 20 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Marshall Convention Center 2501 E. End Blvd S. Marshall, Texas 75672 Thursday, May 21 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM First Methodist Church of Athens 225 Lovers Lane Athens, Texas 75751 The AAA is the region’s leader in advocacy and services for older adults, providing support such as information and referral, benefits counseling, case management, health education classes, senior nutrition, and the Ombudsman program for people living in nursing and assisted living facilities. These services help older individuals live independent, meaningful, and dignified lives in their homes and communities for as long as possible. For questions about the events, contact the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas at (903) 218-6500.
