Elizabeth Francis, the oldest living person in the United States, celebrated her 115th birthday on July 25. Sadly, she passed away peacefully in her sleep on October 22 in Houston, Texas.
Her 69-year-old granddaughter, Ethel Harrison, spoke to ABC News on October 23, revealing that Elizabeth had the comforting presence of her family by her side during her last moments.
Harrison described her grandmother as “very loving towards everyone.” She added, “She had a deep love for God and her faith was incredibly strong. She was always cheerful, asking everyone, ‘How are you?’ or ‘Are you doing okay?’ That was just her personality.”
Elizabeth often shared her life philosophy: “Treat others the way you want to be treated,” which became her guiding principle.
According to LongeviQuest, a global longevity database, Elizabeth Francis was not only the oldest living resident in the United States but also the third oldest person in the world, having spent most of her life in Houston, Texas.
Born in 1909 in St. Mary Parish, Louisiana, Elizabeth witnessed significant historical events, including 20 presidencies, two world wars, the era of racial segregation, and the civil rights movement.
On the occasion of her 115th birthday, she received a congratulatory letter from former President Barack Obama and his wife, praising her contributions and the history she lived through.
Last year, during her 114th birthday celebration, she told KTRK-TV that despite her age, she felt young at heart. “I am young, very young. Just look at me, like a little chick,” she joked, attributing her longevity to not drinking or smoking but enjoying a varied diet.
Harrison mentioned that Elizabeth grew her own vegetables and always cooked at home, avoiding fast food. “You could go to her house any day of the week, and she would be cooking. I think that has a lot to do with her longevity—taking such good care of herself,” she explained.
Elizabeth’s 96-year-old daughter, Dorothy Williams, expressed her amazement at her mother living to 114, saying, “It’s hard to believe because she is the best mother and grandmother we could ask for. She is the backbone of our family.” Notably, Elizabeth’s sister lived to 106 before passing away in 2011.
Having witnessed five generations of her family, Elizabeth Francis leaves behind her daughter, three grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren. During her life, her daughter, Williams, held the title of the oldest living person in the world with living parents.
Following Elizabeth’s passing, the title of the oldest living person in the United States is now held by 114-year-old Naomi Whitehead of Pennsylvania.
