America’s Oldest Person Elizabeth Francis Turns 115

Houston, Texas – Elizabeth Francis of Texas, the oldest living person in the United States, turned 115 today. Per the LongeviQuest rankings, Ms. Francis is the fourth-oldest living person in the world. She is one of only 68 people known to have reached the age of 115, and she is among the 25 longest-lived people in American history.

 

Elizabeth Francis was born in Louisiana in 1909, 11 years before women had the right to vote in the United States. Longevity runs in her family; her sister Bertha Johnson lived to the age of 106. Ms. Francis has always credited her longevity to her faith in God. When asked for life advice, Ms. Francis offered, “If the Good Lord gave it to you, use it!  Speak your mind, don’t bite your tongue!”

 

Ms. Francis at home lives with her daughter, Ms. Dorothy Williams. She is the oldest person in the world living at home. She is visited daily by family, friends, and fellow worshippers from Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church. Her primary caregiver is her granddaughter, Ms. Ethel Harrison. Within her close-knit community, she has always been known for her strength, wisdom, optimism, and sense of humor. When asked in April how she feels being the Oldest Living American, Ms. Francis replied, “I just feel like living every day!”

 

LongeviQuest’s Ben Meyers, who has met Ms. Francis twice, stated, “Elizabeth Francis is America’s Grandmother. She is beloved by her family and community and admired worldwide. She has seen some things in her 115 years: she grew up during World War I and just weeks ago her house was directly hit by Hurricane Beryl. But none of it has seemed to rattle her. Her story is about faith, fortitude, and family more than it is about longevity.”

 

More about Ms. Elizabeth Francis:

AT 114, AMERICA’S OLDEST PERSON “JUST FEELS LIKE LIVING EVERY DAY”

ELIZABETH FRANCIS (1909-PRESENT) BECOMES THE OLDEST LIVING AMERICAN AT 114

ELIZABETH FRANCIS, WORLD’S 7TH OLDEST PERSON, CELEBRATES 114TH BIRTHDAY