BIOGRAPHY

Christine Ireland was born in Fayetteville, North Carolina, USA, on 19 January 1908, the oldest of eight children born to parents Simeon and Hettie Adams. Ireland and her siblings were raised by their parents on a farm in Cumberland County, surrounded by apple and peach trees, as well as hogs and chickens. She learned to cook at the age of seven, often standing on a wooden box in front of the stove to help prepare meals.

She attended Immanuel Lutheran High School in Greensboro and became a teacher in 1931. The following year, she married William Ireland, and they settled in Greensboro, where they raised three sons and three daughters. Her husband supported the family through his work on the railroad, while she managed the household and took an active role in her children’s education. Two of her daughters, Yvonne and Marcela, later attended Bennett College and became teachers themselves.

On her 111th birthday, she received an official state-issued birthday commemoration, personally delivered by N.C. Governor Roy Cooper. Additionally, she was honored with a City of Greensboro resolution, signed by Mayor Nancy Vaughan and District 1 Council Member Sharon Hightower.

Christine Ireland passed away in Burlington, North Carolina, on 18 August 2021, at the age of 113 years, 211 days.

RECOGNITION

Ireland’s age was validated by the GRG on 4 March 2020.

On 17 April 2021, following the passing of Hester Ford, she became the oldest (known) living person in the U.S. state of North Carolina. Upon her own passing, she was succeeded by Annie Wilson.

ATTRIBUTION

* “North Carolina woman celebrates 111th birthday” – The Carolina Peacemaker, 30 January 2019

* “Christine A. Ireland” – The Courier-Tribune, 19 January 2020

* Christine Ireland Obituary – Greensboro News & Record, 2 September 2021

GALLERY