Emma Gurley was a validated American supercentenarian who died in 2002 at the age of 110.
Gurley was born in Walker County, Georgia, USA, on December 23, 1891. Raised on the family farm alongside two sisters and four brothers, she completed schooling up to the fifth grade in Sugar Valley before leaving. On October 22, 1913, she got married to her husband. Their marriage led them to Columbus in 1927, where they ventured into entrepreneurship, opening a flower shop in 1932. Alongside their son, they welcomed Gurley’s niece into their family in 1925, raising her as their own child.
Gurley taught herself to drive a car by observing her husband, and she continued to drive until she was 95. After selling their flower shop in 1959, they relocated to Orlando. Despite the shifts, Gurley remained industrious, finding employment in a rest home and later as the head of the bridal and fur department in a dress shop. However, her later years were also tinged with loss; her husband passed away in 1968, followed by their son’s death the subsequent year due to a heart attack.
Emma Gurley at age 106.
At 100 years old, Gurley attributed her remarkable longevity to a balanced lifestyle rooted in healthy eating habits and unwavering faith. With five grandchildren, she remained actively engaged in volunteer work, caring for patients at Oak Manor Nursing Home. Gurley’s family history also hinted at longevity, with reports of two aunts reaching 102 and 101 years, respectively, and her youngest sister, Olyra Rainey, living to the impressive age of 104.
Gurley passed away in Columbus, Georgia, USA, on 19 January 2002, at the age of 110 years, 27 days.
LongeviQuest congratulates Emma Gurley’s family on her posthumous recognition.
For more information, please view Mrs. Gurley’s Directory Profile here.
