After a 19-year reign, Yvonne Smith, executive director of the Victoria County Senior Citizens Association, is stepping down from her position.

Having just turned 70 this past August, Smith said it's time for her to slow down a bit, although she does plan to still be involved with the association by becoming the site manager for the smaller senior center on Halsey Street.

"I'm not completely leaving the association, just slowing down a little. It's a constant fight working here, trying to raise money and keep the doors open, and I'm getting older. Although I'll still be close at hand to help the new executive director," said Smith, whose resignation goes into effect Dec. 31.

Smith began her career at the Senior Citizens Association in February 1988. When she first moved to Victoria from Louisiana with her husband, she wasn't planning to work. It only took a few months, however, before she was bouncing off the walls.

"I thought not working would be great but after that first month, it was driving me insane. It was then that I saw an ad in the newspaper for the position and it caught my eye because I had always held a special place in my heart for older people. I've always been drawn to them and so I applied for the job," she said. "I thought it would be fun and I'd be planning parties and picnics. I had absolutely no idea what I was getting into. But it ended up being a wonderful experience."

Smith said there will be many things she'll miss once she steps down, including the fast pace and seeing the people at the Senior Citizen's Center on Murray Street every day.

"We're like a family here. If someone doesn't show up one day, we all get worried. And it's not only the seniors that I'll miss, but also the top-notch people that I work with. From the board of directors to the cooks and people who drive the vans, to all the staff members, it's just a great place to wake up every morning and go to," Smith said. It's been such a wonderful trip."

According to Connie Perkins, president of the board of directors, Smith will be greatly missed in her role and her replacement has some big shoes to fill.

"I've been working with her for 17 years and she is just wonderful, a great gal. It's going to take a pretty special person to take her place and work with the elderly. She has done so much for that place and really whipped it into shape. In fact, when she first started, there was only one center and now there are two," Perkins said. "She's done so much for us and really built the organization up. I just can't say enough nice things about her."

With Smith staying on as a site manager, she will be helping the new executive director learn the ins and outs of the system, much to the board's relief.

As for whether or not she ever retires fully, chances are slim as long as her health holds out, she said.

"I've always had a fear of retirement. I've always loved my job and like having something to do, some reason to get out of bed in the morning and get dressed," Smith said.

"People don't realize what's all entailed in retirement and many people end up thinking it's horrible. And so I plan to keep busy overlooking the small center and trying to increase the numbers there, and plan to stay active for as long as my health allows."