Supercentenarian Profile

Lenora Carey

Born:

1910-09-16

North Carolina

United States

Died:

2022-08-22

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

United States

✔ Age Certified by LongeviQuest

Lenora Carey (née Williams) was an American supercentenarian whose age has been validated by LongeviQuest.

BIOGRAPHY

Lenora Carey was born to Mickinley and Julia Ferebee Williams in rural North Carolina, USA, on 16 September 1910. She attended Gregart School until the fourth grade and loved participating in spelling bees. After reaching the fourth grade, she began working as a seamstress to support herself and her brother.

In 1926, Carey moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, one year after the Benjamin Franklin Bridge was completed. Carey decided to live in North Philadelphia, where there were plenty of opportunities for an experienced seamstress. She worked for the Nanette Factory until her retirement. She also provided childcare for mothers with little income.

In 1943, Carey joined Mount Zion Methodist Episcopal Church in Philadelphia under the pastorate of Reverend F. H. Butler, continuing her membership until her death in August 2022. She said that Sunday was the longest day of the week if she didn’t attend church. She transported children to Sunday school for many years.

In 1946, she married Carrigan Carey. Although the couple didn’t have children of their own, they helped raise many children on Opal Street, as well as in nearby neighborhoods.

Starting in 1959, Carey organized and supervised the North Philadelphia Sunshine Juniors, a group of children who rendered service to the sick and shut-in through acts of kindness. She was an active member of the Helping Hand Club until it became defunct in the 1980s.

Carey received numerous awards and honors, including letters from the President of the United States, mayors of Philadelphia, members of the Philadelphia City Council, and members of several church organizations.

Carey loved to read. She taught her neighbors on Opal Street, including her brother, how to sign their names.

Carey also enjoyed traveling. Some places she traveled to included her native state, North Carolina, Richmond, Virginia, and Canada

Lenara Carey died at a nursing home in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA on 22 August 2022, at the age of 111 years, 340 days, just 25 days short of her 112th birthday.