BIOGRAPHY

Naomi Whitehead was born Naomi Washington on a farm in Georgia, United States on 26 September 1910. She began helping her family at an early age by picking cotton and tobacco. The farm also had horses, and even at the age of 113, she remembered being afraid of getting kicked by them. In 1930, she married Sylvester Whitehead. The couple had 3 sons: Parrish L. (1933-2011), Elbert and Sylvester. She was widowed in the 1980s.

In 2011, when her last surviving son died, she resided in Sharon, Pennsylvania. She credited her longevity to her family history – her father lived to his 90s, and she never smoked or drank alcohol. She also credited her long life to God. In her free time, she enjoyed cooking, baking, drawing, and listening to music.

As of her 110th birthday in 2020, Whitehead had 12 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, 49 great-greatgrandchildren, and three great-great-great-grandchildren. By the time she reached 113, it was difficult for her to walk, but she still enjoyed being wheeled around the care center in her wheelchair.

RECOGNITION

On 22 August 2022, following the death of Lenara Carey, she became the oldest known living person in Pennsylvania, USA.

Her age was verified by Stefan Maglov, and validated by LongeviQuest on 1 February 2023.

On 22 October 2024, following the death of 115 years-old Elizabeth Francis, she became the oldest known living person in the United States, at the age of 114 years, 26 days.

ATTRIBUTION

* “Naomi Whitehead: Black Woman Celebrates 112th Birthday, Spills Secret to Her Long Life” – Tuko News, 9 December 2022

* “113 birthdays: Supercentenarian born in 1910 still enjoys life” – Sharon Herald, 29 September 2023

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