BIOGRAPHY

Bessie Riley was born in Poughkeepsie, New York, United States, on 27 May 1914 (claimed 28 May). In her childhood, she attended an one-room schoolhouse in Poughkeepsie due to segregated schools in the 1920s. She was the fifth of eight children. Her parents were originally from Columbia, Virginia. One of her sisters lived to be 105.

At some point, she got married and had four children (two sons and two daughters). After working for 17 years at the Hudson River Psychiatric Center, she retired in 1975.

Riley’s adult life was deeply rooted in her Christian faith. When asked about the secret to her longevity, she attributed it to divine will. She also mentioned walking as a factor in her longevity. She never drank or smoked. She is a long-time member of Poughkeepsie’s Ebenezer Baptist Church.

RECOGNITION

Her age was verified by Fabrizio Villatoro and Filipe Lopes, and validated by LongeviQuest on 11 June 2024.

ATTRIBUTION

* “Bessie Marianne Riley Celebrates 109 Years of Life” – Hudson Valley Press, 12 July 2023

GALLERY