It Is Well with My Soul: The Extraordinary Life of a 106-Year-Old Woman

by Ella Mae Cheeks Johnson, Patricia Mulcahy

An African American centenarian shares wisdom from a life well lived

An inspirational, dynamic, and one-of-a-kind woman, Ella Mae Cheeks Johnson's ordinary life has been nothing less than extraordinary throughout the course of her 106 years. The oldest living black graduate of Case Western Reserve University, Ella Mae is the child of former slaves who has experienced the best and worst of the past century, including the 2009 presidential inauguration, which she memorably attended last January. Through it all, she has endured-and thrived-by believing that compassion is the key to the good life. In It Is Well with My Soul, she shares her insights on living a long and enjoyable life and her hopes for the future.

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction, Biography, Biography Memoir, History

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Ella Mae Cheeks Johnson was an American social worker, activist and author. She received national recognition in 2009 when, at 105 years old, she travelled to Washington D.C. to attend the inauguration of U.S. President Barack Obama.

Reviews

[S · Rating 1 out of 5]

I feel bad for giving this book only 1 star. Especially since it was written (with some help) by a cute little old lady. A little old lady who happened to be 106 years old when she wrote it. I was hoping that her biography would go into more detail about her childhood and growing up during the different wars and eras of history. Mostly the book felt like one giant ramble. There was no clear cut theme for each chapter despite what the titles may lead you to believe. Half the time she would start off saying one thing and end on a completely different topic. Then I find myself wondering, "How the hell did I get to that point in the story?" I also wasn't a fan of all the religious references she made, though I understand religion was important to her, I just felt like it wasn't necessary. She also spent way too much time telling the back stories of other people instead of herself. So I feel like I know other people better than I know her now. This book could have been done so much better- especially since she had the assistance of an NPR correspondent to help her write it.

[Arleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saw this book in a review. I knew nothing of this woman. The book is a simple walk your talk book. Philosophy over a 106 year lifetime. Amazing woman displaying integrity every year of her life. SO . . . inspirational.

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought I was going to LOVE this book. I feel bad for only giving it 2 stars. One star was for Mrs. Cheeks Johnson being so cute and overcoming huge odds. The other star because I really do think she had a phenomenal life. I agree with some of the other reviewers that said it was rambling. It was. What could have been a page turner (the woman lived 106 years. She lived through Jim Crow, became a social worker, breast cancer, two sons, two marriages, President Obama's inauguration) was... Not cohesive. The book jumped around. It wasn't told in chronological order. You don't get a feel for the times (except when she talked about W.E.B Dubois and a few incidents on the segregated train). She alluded to maybe one of her parents being White? She did say she passed from time to time. When she could. She repeated that we are all "mixed". There is so much you don't know. You know more about her thoughts and feelings, what others thought about her and, her beliefs. More so than about her actual life. I am not sure whether its because she didn't remember? Or? I don't know. I feel like I read a collection of incidents rather than a memoir.

[Loralee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice memoir of a 106-year-old African American woman that probably wouldn't have been written if she hadn't managed to attend Obama's inauguration. Some of her challenges are astonishing--not knowing her own birthday because the country didn't record vital records for blacks when she was born, having to wear heavy makeup on one train to be allowed to ride in the sleeper car, losing her husband to a degenerative disease in his thirties and having to support her children. In other ways, she seems modern and prosaic, after a career in social work, travels to the Holy Land, fundraising for charitable causes in retirement. She endorses empathy and charity, hard work (saying her mother wouldn't have wished her an easier life, but one in which she struggled and gained satisfaction from her accomplishments), and tolerance. Though I didn't find this book earth-changing, I enjoyed her story and her philosophy.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. One phrase I'm going to remember is "Warrior trumps worrier!" A reminder of what's truly important in our lives.

[Shelly · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had heard such interesting things about this book. Written by a woman 106 yrs. old - wow - I thought, it would be full of great insight for life, but it was lacking in depth.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book. It was very simple, but yet a great example of a woman who accomplished it all. Ella Mae Cheeks Johnson is so inspiring!

[Theresa Revilak · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this to be a somewhat tough read because it was here and there. An old woman (106!!) telling about her life. The hard part was she would go off on tangents. The charm of that is you can picture an old woman just going on about her life. But it made it hard to read at times. That being said, Ella Mae had a really amazing life and lots of stories. I guess anyone with 106 years under her belt could claim that, but maybe not. She was well traveled, wise, and had experienced a lot living as a black woman in the south. She tells it all in a matter of fact tone. This is what happened, she cannot change what happened but here is what it is. From her family's comments, she was obviously an inspiration to them. She sounds like a neat woman, and after reading her story, one I wished I could have met. I probably will not keep this book, but I'm happy I read it. Someone who's lived 106 years deserves to have their story read!!

[Tamara Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

“It is well with my soul” is an inspirational memoir recounting this life of 106 Ella Mae Cheeks Johnson from her childhood in Texas to seeing the inauguration of the first African-American president of the United States.

The memoir consists of an author’s note, a note from Ella to the reader,acknowledgments, ten chapters, a list of Ella Mae’s awards, and a list of Ella Mae favorite books.

The note from Ella at the start of the memoir is friendly and honest. Ella admits that some of the details in the memoir are speculations due to lack of record keeping for people of African descent. The goal of this book is to show the reader what Ella has lived through, what she’s done, and what she’s done without. Through the assistance of Ella’s friends and the author, Ella is able to make a succinct storyline which is enjoyable and easy to read.

In chapter one, Ella shares her philosophy of being a Good Samaritan since she has been helped by others throughout her life. Her distinction between “the poor” and “needy” was fascinating in that she states that needy people don’t necessarily need financial help, sometimes they need affection and to feel that they matter. Ella shares her early life, being orphaned then being raised by her next door neighbors and living in a home with no toilet, running water, and electricity. Very plain spoken about life in the Jim Crow South and no access to bathrooms, public transportation, swimming pools, restaurants, or libraries. Talks about college education and the importance of learning from one’s mistakes, no matter how old a person is.

In chapter two, Ella shares how she survived in college through scholarships and jobs, such as waitressing in a YWCA tearoom, and received a bachelor's degree at Fisk University and majored in French. In art class, she painted a copy of the Good Samaritan which later became a lifelong role model for her.

In chapter three, Ella writes of graduating with s master’s degree in social work, her experience with subtle bigotry, and how she helped children and mothers who were needy. After taking early retirement in 1961, she began to travel and visited more than thirty countries.

In chapter four, Ella shares of her first love, Elmer Cheeks who she met on a double date with a friend. Although Elmer was sixteen years older than Ella, they still got married when twenty-five and he was forty-one. While married, Elmer and Ella have two sons and lost all their money during the Great Depression. Unfortunately, Elmer died of what is now called Lou’s Gehrig disease at the age of fifty-three, leaving Ella to raise their sons alone.

In chapter five, Ella and her sons adjust to life as a family of three. Being both mother and father was taxing at times but Ella takes pride in the men that her sons have become. As her sons got older, Ella shared her discipline methods that didn’t involve spanking. Although Ella is small in stature, she was a force to reckon with. Ella shares the difference between her two sons in their personalities and outlook on life. After Elmer dies, Ella devotes herself to taking care of her sons, working, and participating in church events. It is through her church work that she meet the man who will eventually become her second husband. Throughout the years, Ella has supported her grandchildren and grandchildren with their higher education and as they persuade their career goals without judgment.

In chapter six, Ella discusses how her love of traveling began. Although Ella retired in 1961, she began traveling in 1954. Reading this chapter, I was most intrigued by the religious denomination of Congregationalism which allows one to express their religious beliefs while hearing and respecting the beliefs of others.

In chapter seven, Ella shares life in a high-rise apartments as well as learning to drive at the age of seventy. Despite getting her driver’s license, stops driving at the age of eighty due to worry of endangering others on the road. When she was eighty, Ella is diagnosed with breast cancer but is able to get surgery and have a type of treatment which helped her keep her hair. Ella live simply and works to help others on a daily basis in whatever way she can. By living so long, Ella has accepted that that old ways are not necessarily the right ways now. Tips for aging successfully according to Ella included independent thinking which means taking things under advisement but make your own decisions. Despite advanced age, one shouldn’t let their mind atrophy.

In chapter eight, Ella discusses her experience going to the inauguration of Barack Obama, the first African-American president. She also mentions how well she was treated when traveling in the past and segregated seating versus being able to freely travel regardless of her skin color.

In chapter nine, Ella shares her view of famous activists as well as her thoughts about race relations and equality. To Ella, the Emancipation Proclamation, Dr. King said not to hate white people since not all white people hate black people. Ella believes in the importance of letting everyone have the freedom to think however they want. Other words of wisdom include don’t take advantage of others and don’t take advantage of others.

In chapter ten, Ella provides lessons for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren including patience is essential, moderation is key, and although you don’t agree, you can always listen.

Ella has lived quite a life considering that she was orphaned at the age of 4, survived the Great, lived under Jim Crow laws in the South, was widowed twice, and has kept up with fundraising and community affairs at her retirement community for thirty-four years.

Despite her passing away in 2010 at the age of 106, Ella left behind a legacy of giving and aiding others not only among her family and friends but to anyone who she’s helped who helps others.

[Tina · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am sure that Ella Mae Cheeks Johnson's real life truly was an "Extraodinary Life", as the subtitle of this book suggests, given the drastic changes in society that she saw in her lifetime.

But Patricia Mulcahy should be embarrassed at how boring of a book she wrote. A good book keeps me awake at night. I couldn't read more than 2 or 3 pages of this book without falling to sleep. It was very unorganized. Necessary background information to help the reader understand the context of what Ella Mae was talking about was missing.

I only could read it to page 87 and then put this book was put on my virtual bookshelf called "So Bad I Couldn't Finish". Going back to the library today for some other poor soul to torture themselves with.

[Kit Carlson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating walk through history through a 106 year old woman’s story. Her viewpoint as an African American woman significantly opened my perspective as an American male of European descent.

Quick read. The author’s courage, strong will, sacrifice and humor shine through.

Well worth a read. You will have a stronger appreciate for our Nation, the US, and a deeper respect for others’ who started out with much less opportunity than we did, if you take the time to open its pages.

[Kathy Broadnax · Rating 5 out of 5]

Encouraging and uplifting story about Ella Mae Cheeks Johnson--106 years old in 2010. Life lessons for all of us to learn. Choices are yours, think about what that choice will be, prayer and let it happen.
Truly enjoyed the thoughts shared, and the life led.

[Anna · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was incredibly boring. So, so boring. I wanted to like it, I really did. But I kept falling asleep...

[Marva · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting biography of a black woman. She's very old and came to many conclusions that are confirmed by the gospel.

[Elizabeth Katherine]

I admit outright that despite my 5 star rating I have not yet read the book. I've had a copy for quite some time. I had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Johnson many years ago when I worked for her son Jim Cheeks. She was an absolutely lovely lady, full of grace with a warm, welcoming smile when she met someone. Her pride in her son was tangible. I've read many of the reviews here and suspect that Mrs. Johnson was not so much looking to piece a history or story together, which may account for the fact that so many people found it boring. I suspect what she may have been doing was really just documenting her life, which would in fact be a little boring. One reviewer called her a little old lady, I will say this much, Mrs. Johnson was anything but a little old lady. She was a strong, determined woman who achieved a great deal at a time when these very achievements were denied people of color. I'm sure that I'll read the book with a different focus because I knew her son and met her. But I hope that all that read it and read it look beyond how boring it was.

[Kennedy · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is Well with My Soul is a memoir by Ella Mae Cheeks Johnson about her long 106 year life. Johnson gained attention in 2008 when she attended Obama's Inauguration. Evan and I also attended the inauguration and were on the same plane as Johnson. We sat in the row behind her as people around us asked her questions about life and her thoughts on Obama. For me, it was a really cool way of starting out our trip, thinking about this black woman who had seen so many changes in society that lead her to where she was that day.


The book was very short, but was interesting considering the wide time span it covered. It focused a lot on her life rather than what she saw in society. It was enjoyable, but I would have been a bit disappointed by it had I not met her because I would have preferred the book to have discussed Johnson's reflections on changes she saw in the the US through the many events she experienced.

[Ellyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was very excited about this book, as I'm interested in stories of people who have lived a very long time through the extraordinary changes of the 20th century. I'm also passionate about the civil rights movement, and Ella Mae Cheeks Johnson had seen everything in her long lifetime.

Her life was quietly inspirational, and she imparts lessons that are still applicable today. My only two gripes were the writing -- I think it was almost too train of thought and could have used some tightening up -- and the focus on lessons rather than stories. I would like to have learned more about the daily life of Mrs. Cheeks-Johnson in longer vignettes, because she was such a trailblazer in so many ways, but the narrative touched much too lightly on the more interesting aspects of her life.

All in all, though, a very worthwhile read about an exceptional life and woman.

[Renee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fascinating survey of the life of an 106-year-old African American woman, who has placed serving others at the foundation of her life. A religious woman, Ella Mae took on the mantle of the Good Samaritan, giving back in bounty to the communities that gave her a leg up through life. From orphanhood in Texas to college student in Tennessee during DuBois's excoriation of Fisk University, from a young married woman moved North to a widowed mother of two boys in Cleveland, she watched the U.S.'s bumpy, violent and circuitous transition from the enforced segregation of Jim Crow laws to the election of the nation's first black president. I would have loved to hear more about Ella Mae's life in detail, straight from her lips, rather than mediated through her 'co-writer'. Her storied experience and compassionate perspective truly made her a national treasure.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't like this book quite as much as I liked the Life Is So Good or the books by the Delancy sisters. But it was still pretty interesting. This lady is much more reserved, so I felt like I got to know her only on the surface, and seemed to be a little too full of slightly trite "this is the way I am" stuff and laudatory quotes from grandchildren. But that may not be the fault of the subject but the biographer. Anyway. I really enjoyed reading about her reaction to attending Barack Obama's inauguration, and thinking about what it must be like for a black woman who'd survived what she'd survived to see such an event. But again, we are kept kind of at a distance. I was really surprised how unemotionally she told of her first husband's dying of ALS.

[Amanda Murphy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about this book. I found it confusing because it isn't told in a consistent time line. She sort of jumps around. So many things that Johnson had to say were interesting, but I would have enjoyed hearing it so much more than reading it. I reflected a lot on older people I have known and how important their cadences and expressions are when they speak. One more thing...while I felt that we had a lot of common beliefs, I just couldn't get on board with her political ideals.

[Tom Leland · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was extraordinary that she lived to 106, and she was certainly an extraordinarily kind, wise, generous, spirited individual. But even all of that doesn't necessarily add up to an "extraordinary life". I can imagine certain people in particular stages of life, or with certain prejudices or assumptions about African-Americans, and/or seniors -- who would benefit and even be enlightened by this book. But those groups aren't going to be the ones to read it. So not sure how this got green-lighted to be published.

[Maeta · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book reads like you are hearing Ella Mae speak. It is not a literary opus, but it is a conversation with the subject as she tells us the high points and the information she wants to share with us about her life. She was 106 at the time it was written, and it reads like you are sitting in with her and listening to her stories. I found it a nice pleasant read, with many inspirational messages mixed in. It was like being with my grandmother.

[Betsy · Rating 2 out of 5]

The subtitle of the copy I read is "Extraordinary life of a 106-year-old Woman." I must have the newer edition. Wow! I saw this at the library and picked it up; how could anyone Not be interested in the perspective of life from a 106-year-old? Having said that, it was Ho-Hum. I could have read the last chapter and skipped the rest. Her philosphy of life: be compassionate and a good samaritan.

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not sure yet. I got this recommendation from Brenda Opperman and I trust her!

OK--it wasn't a very well-written book. As Brenda said, it was more like a conversation with Ella Mae. Some parts were a bit confusing as she jumped around out of chronological order. But she had a rather interesting life and it was a very quick read.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful book. It is simple and doesn't go on and on like it certainly could w/ 106yrs worth of experience. This is an amazing woman that seemed to never really think of herself that way. I'm recommending it to everyone!!!

[Barry · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book reads like an afternoon sitting with your grandmother, listening to her tell her stories and share her life lessons in her own way. It rambles and weaves around, but pay attention and you will find the nuggets of wisdom.

[Nancy]

This was a very touching book.Ella Mae had a very strong self-confidence and she needed it her struggle to seek higher education, raise two boys after the death of her beloved husband and provide support to those in need. She was constantly striving to do the Lord's will in her life.

[Shelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Charmingly presented: views of a woman who has lived through half the history of our nation.

[Latrel · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is well with her soul. Wonderful memoir of a remarkable life.

[Michael Torphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hey sweet little autobiography of a African American woman who got to go to President Obama's Inauguration at the age of 106.