Those who know her best describe her in many terms: Sassy, smart, down-to-earth, generous, wise, funny, feisty and strong.

Lessie Smithgall turns 100 on April 1. Few have squeezed more living out of a century than Gainesville's grand lady.

From her career in Atlanta radio, to the founding of The Times with husband Charles Smithgall, to her charitable community efforts, she has left a legacy of giving and a slew of stories that, like her personality, are bigger than life.

In Sunday's print edition of The Times and in a video interview at gainesvilletimes.com, she shares the tale of her remarkable life.