Editor's note: This story originally appeared on CNN.com on October 20. Barack Obama mentioned Ann Nixon Cooper on Tuesday in his presidential victory speech. 

Ann Nixon Cooper, 106 years old, lived during a time when blacks and women did not have the right to vote. 

ATLANTA, Georgia (CNN) -- Ann Nixon Cooper, 106 years old, has seen presidents come and go in her lifetime and has outlived most of them. On a sunny fall morning, she left her weathered but well-kept Tudor home in Atlanta, Georgia, to vote early -- this time for Barack Obama. 

The African-American centenarian remembers a time not long ago when she was barred from voting because of her race. Now she hopes to see the day that Obama is elected as the nation's first black president. 

"I ain't got time to die," Cooper said with a smile. 

"Even if he didn't win, I was happy for him just to be nominated," said the former socialite. "The first black president -- isn't that something, at 106 years old?" Watch Obama say 'Yes we can' » 

At the Fulton County government center, Cooper was greeted by Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin. 

"I thought that I would accompany her today to support her, but also to say to all people that this is a choice we have," Franklin said. 

"As all Americans, we should cherish the right to vote and take every opportunity we have to vote our opinions. She is an inspiration to me personally, but she is also quite an inspiration to all Atlanta." Watch Cooper talk about her life and experiences » 
what is the mayor's name?
Shirley Franklin