By Maggie Downs
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Henrietta Smith feels divinely led to her work with the Greater Cincinnati chapter of the Alzheimer's Association.

Henrietta Smith (right) holds a Bible study in her home with her friend Rosie Walker. (Gary Landers photo)

Smith, 59, of Lincoln Heights, retired after 30 years with the U.S. Postal Service and wanted to do something meaningful. It was tough, though. With painful arthritis, she couldn't get around much. So she prayed and waited.

"I was looking for something pleasing most of all to God, because I center my life around Him," she said.

One night Smith's daughter-in-law brought a copy of the newspaper to dinner. Her eyes rested on a call for volunteers. At the top of the list was a receptionist position with the Alzheimer's Association.

"That caught my attention for something I would be physically able to do," she said. "Talking to people is something I truly love."

Now each Thursday, Smith's is the first face people see when they step into the association's office, and hers is the first voice they hear on the phone.

"Any time you can do something for someone else, it's a blessing," she said

E-mail mdowns@enquirer.com