Blog Post
Older Americans - Sharing the Stories of East Texans
Area Agency on Aging of East Texas • Aug 02, 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."
“Power in Community” Conference Will Cover Medicare Basics, Savings Programs, Preventing Fraud, Health and Wellness, and Community Resources
Throughout May, the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas (AAA) is joining organizations across the nation to celebrate the seniors in our communities for Older Americans Month (OAM). The AAA will host and partner with organizations for six celebration events across East Texas at area senior centers and community centers focusing on connection – how communities can build relationships to maintain a healthy senior population. OAM is a national initiative led by the Administration for Community Living. This year’s theme, Powered by Connection , recognizes the profound impact that meaningful relationships and social connections have on our health and well-being. The following OAM celebration events are open to the public and will include food, fun, door prizes, and information on services available to East Texas seniors: May 8th at the Forever Young Activity Center, located at 404 S. Main St. in Quitman, from 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM May 9th at the Harrison County Extension Office, located at 2005 Warren Dr. in Marshall, from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM May 14th at the Douglas Alumni Association Inc., located at 408 Terry St. in Pittsburg, from 9:30 AM - 2:00 PM May 16th at the First United Methodist Church, located at 225 Lovers Ln in Athens, from 9:30 AM - 2:00 PM May 30th at Central Baptist Church, located at 220 W. Sabine St. in Carthage, from 9:30 AM - 1:00 PM The AAA serves as the region's leader in advocating and providing various services, such as information and referral, benefits counseling, case management, health education classes, senior nutrition, housing repair, and support through the Ombudsman program for people in nursing and assisted living facilities. These services help older individuals live independent, meaningful, and dignified lives in their own homes and communities for as long as possible. Contact the AAA for questions about the events by calling (903) 218-6500.
About Us
The Area Agency on Aging of East Texas
is designated by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to coordinate services for persons in East Texas who are 60 or older, with particular attention to low-income minority older individuals, older individuals with limited-English proficiency, and older individuals residing in rural areas.
1501 Pentecost Road
Kilgore, Texas 75662
1-800-442-8845
Deaf, hard-of-hearing or speech-impaired customers may contact
Relay Texas: 800-735-2989 (TTY) and 711 (Voice).
Equal opportunity is the law.
Equal opportunity notice in English and Spanish
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