BIOGRAPHY

Alelia Murphy was born in Grifton, North Carolina, USA, on 6 July 1905. She was one of 12 children born to John and Hattie Stewart (1871–1935). As a child, she was an exceptional student and went on to enroll in a college near her hometown. However, her education was cut short due to her mother’s illness and the resulting financial difficulties in covering tuition costs.

In 1926, Murphy moved to New York City, arriving in Harlem at the height of the Harlem Renaissance. That October, she married her hometown sweetheart, Furd Murphy (1906–1953), and the couple had two children: Frederick and Rose Murphy.

To support her family, Alelia took on various jobs, including hand-sewing hats. She eventually earned the title of “Queen of Sales” at the Fuller Brush Company. She lived in Harlem for over 60 years, where she enjoyed dancing—one of her favorite pastimes. Among her favorite venues was the Savoy Manor, a well-known Harlem club.

Alelia was actively involved in several community and fraternal organizations, including Queen Esther and the Eastern Stars. She was also a member of President Obama’s Presidential Partners. In addition to her civic engagement, she volunteered extensively—serving as secretary of the Taft Rehab Executive Board and as chairperson of the Tenant Patrol for NYCHA, working to ensure the safety of fellow residents.

New York State Senator Brian Benjamin attended her 114th birthday celebration, held at the Harlem State Office Building. She also received special proclamations from Mayor Bill de Blasio, Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer, and many other distinguished officials.

When asked about the secret to her long life, Murphy replied, “Trust in God and be a good person.”

Alelia Murphy passed away in Harlem, New York, on 23 November 2019, at the age of 114 years, 140 days. Coincidentally, her death occurred on the same day as the death of CP Crawford, the oldest known living man in the United States.

RECOGNITION

Her age was validated by the Gerontology Research Group (GRG) on 20 July 2017.

On 8 September 2017, following the passing of 112-year-old Vera Van Wagner, she became the oldest known living person in the state of New York, at the age of 112 years, 64 days. Upon her own passing, she was succeeded by Beulah Meloche.

Following the passing of Mary Ana Long on 16 October 2019, she became the oldest known living person in the United States, at the age of 114 years, 102 days. She held the title for just over a month, until her own passing, after which she was succeeded by Hester Ford.

ATTRIBUTION

* “Alelia Murphy, 111 and counting” – New York Amsterdam News, 28 July 2016

* “Harlem’s 114-year-old ray of sunshine says ‘Trust in God—and thank your nurse!’” – New York Amsterdam News, 11 July 2019

* “Alelia Murphy celebrates her 114th birthday in Harlem” – New York Amsterdam News, 12 July 2019

* Alelia Stewart Murphy – Find A Grave

GALLERY