BIOGRAPHY

Ethel Carroll was born in San Antonio, Texas, USA, on 3 September 1914. Her father was Edward Gardiner. She spent 26 years working at Kelly Air Force Base, advancing from a clerk typist to the sheet metal manufacturing unit. Her skills and contributions were recognized when she helped design a cost-saving screw for military aircraft.

Faith was a central part of Carroll’s life. A devoted member of Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, she remained connected to her congregation throughout her long life, even as her mobility declined. Carroll graduated from St. Peter Claver Academy, Texas’ first Catholic school for African Americans, and later attended St. Mary’s University.

When asked about her longevity, she simply said, “I don’t have a secret.” She decided to stop driving at 104 but remained mobile until the age of 106.

RECOGNITION

Her age was verified by Jimmy Lindberg and Fabrizio Villatoro, and validated by LongeviQuest on 12 September 2024.

ATTRIBUTION

* “Dozens of community members gather to celebrate 106-year-old San Antonio woman’s birthday” – KSAT, 4 September 2020

* “At 109, San Antonio resident is poised to become one of the nation’s rare super-centenarians” – San Antonio Express-News, 18 March 2024

GALLERY