Blog Post

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."

Medicare Open Enrollment Starts Today - Explore Your Options with our Certified Benefits Counselors

By Area Agency on Aging of East Texas • October 15, 2024
Assistance is available to find and compare 2025 health and drug plans now
Three women in blue shirts are standing in front of a table with pumpkins and leaves on it.

Area Agency on Aging to host 33rd Annual REACH Conference to Educate Individuals Who Work with Seniors

By Area Agency on Aging of East Texas • September 6, 2024
We can't wait to host hundreds of area nursing facility administrators, practitioners, caregivers, and others who work with seniors at our 33rd annual REACH Conference (Regional Education on Aging, Caregiving, and Healthcare) next month! The Area Agency on Aging (AAA) hosts the annual conference to provide educational workshops, plenary sessions, and networking opportunities. This year's conference will be held at Maude Cobb in Longview on October 2-3 and is ideal for professionals or caregivers serving older adults and persons with disabilities.
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