The people of Cecil County lost a true treasure last week, Miss Ada Rebecca Smith, known to many as âMiss Beckyâ, passed away at the age of 105. She would have celebrated her 106th birthday on Monday, December 21.
The much respected and loved educator and guidance counselor was born on December 21, 1914 in a blizzard and ice storm. Miss Smith was a lifelong member of Zion United Methodist Church. She lived in Cecilton her whole life, except while attending Western Maryland College. After graduating from George Biddle High School in 1931, she graduated from college at the age of 20. Miss Smith was hired to teach at Perryville High School in 1935. In the 10 years she taught there, she was a social studies teacher and a volleyball coach. In 1943, Miss Smith transferred to Elkton High School, where she taught U.S. History. In 1966, she became one of the first guidance counselors in the county. She remained a guidance counselor until her retirement in 1976, having taught and co