Ophelia Burks

BIOGRAPHY

Ophelia Burks was born on 25 October 1903, in Haughton, Bossier Parish, Louisiana, USA, to Frank Williams and Mary Ann Hartman. Due to financial hardship, she was unable to complete primary school, as her family could not afford school supplies for all of their children. She was one of twelve siblings—three brothers and eight sisters—all of whom had passed away by 2004.

At the age of 11, Ophelia began attending church, a practice that remained important throughout her life. She later married Prince Burks, a local farmer, with whom she shared many years of marriage until his passing in 1989 at the age of 94.

During the Great Depression, Ophelia recalled working for 50 cents a day. She came from a family noted for its longevity; according to family accounts, her grandmother, of Native American ancestry, lived to be 120. However, since her grandmother did not speak English, Ophelia was unable to understand her language.

Ophelia and Prince Burks raised five children together, including Autrey, Dorothy, Bernice, and Marie.

Ophelia Burks passed away in Haughton, on 27 September 2018, at the age of 114 years, 337 days.

RECOGNITION

On 9 May 2018, following the passing of Delphine Gibson, she became the Oldest Living Person in the United States. Upon her own passing, she was succeeded by Lessie Brown.

Her age has not been validated.

ATTRIBUTION

* “Interview with Mrs. Ophelia Burks” – Bossier Parish Libraries History Center, 10 August 2004

* Mrs. Ophelia Williams Burks Obituary – Tributes

GALLERY

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