BIOGRAPHY

Mary Ana Long was born in Greenville, Kentucky, USA, on 18 February 1905. She had an older brother, Samuel Walker. Long left school after completing the eighth grade.

Her mother, Lossie Hopkins, passed away on 15 February 1999, at the claimed age of 114. However, research indicates she was more likely born on 26 July 1889, which would have made her 109 at the time of her death.

She developed an interest in crocheting at a young age, learning her first stitches from a neighbor when she was just seven. Over the years, she created hundreds of crocheted and handmade pieces. In 1935, she was awarded a patent for one of her lace parasol patterns. During the 1940s, she crocheted a red, white, and blue parasol cover in honor of her son David, who was serving in World War II.

At the age of 102, Long described her lifestyle as “clean.” She spent her days reading the Bible, praying for others, crafting, and occasionally watching television. Her daughter, Mary Elizabeth Williams, noted that adjusting to her mother’s many hobbies took some time. The two had been living together for over 50 years by then. Williams described Long as a night owl, often staying awake until 5 or 6 in the morning. Long reflected that in her late 90s, household chores like washing dishes were still manageable, but after turning 100, they began to feel more difficult.

Long passed away in Louisville, Kentucky, USA, on 16 October 2019, at the age of 114 years, 240 days. She was survived by her daughter, Mary Williams, three grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren, as well as her sister, Louise Cochran.

RECOGNITION

Sometime before her 110th birthday, she became the oldest living person in the U.S. state of Kentucky. Upon her own passing, she was succeeded by Goldie Conn.

On 8 January 2019, following the passing of 114-year-old Lessie Brown, she became the oldest living person in the United States, at the age of 113 years, 324 days. Upon her own passing, she was succeeded by Alelia Murphy.

On 22 May 2019, at the age of 114 years and 93 days, she surpassed the final age of Mary Anna Boone (1887–2001), becoming the oldest person ever to have lived in Kentucky.

Her age was verified by Eli Logan, and validated by LongeviQuest on 4 May 2025.

ATTRIBUTION

* “102 years of memories” – The Courier-Journal, 4 April 2007

* Mary “Little Molly” Ana Long Obituary – Visitation & Funeral Information

GALLERY