Elizabeth Francis, the oldest person living in the US, passed away at the remarkable age of 115. Her life spanned over a century of significant historical changes, and her legacy touched not only her family but also her community in Houston.
A supercentenarian, Francis was admired for her wisdom, resilience, and longevity. When asked about the secret to her long life, she humorously attributed it to eating whatever she wanted while maintaining healthier habits throughout her early years.
Elizabeth Francis : Oldest Person Living in the US
Elizabeth Francis was born on July 25, 1909, in Louisiana. Her early years were marked by hardship when her mother passed away, leaving Elizabeth and her five siblings to be raised by various relatives.
Elizabeth was sent to live with her aunt in Houston, Texas, a city that would become her lifelong home. This pivotal move allowed her to build a life of independence and perseverance, which would later inspire those who knew her.
In 1928, at the age of 19, Elizabeth Francis gave birth to her only child, Dorothy Williams. Raising her daughter as a single mother, she supported herself by working in a coffee shop at Houston’s ABC 13 News station.
Read: US Needs Chinese Students in Humanities, Indians in Science: American Diplomat Said
Francis was no stranger to hard work and continued to provide for her family until her retirement in 1975. Her dedication to family and work reflected her strong sense of responsibility, a trait that remained with her throughout her long life.
After retirement, Elizabeth settled into a quieter life, devoting herself to her family. She spent the remaining years living with her daughter Dorothy, who is now 95, and being cared for by her granddaughter, Ethel Harrison. Despite her advanced age, Elizabeth continued to engage with her family and community.
Read : Resign by Oct 28: Justin Trudeau Given Deadline by Own Party MPs
Her later years were filled with daily visits from relatives and friends, and she remained active in her church congregation. These bonds, built over a lifetime, provided her with a strong support network that enriched her life as a supercentenarian.
A Legacy of Longevity
Elizabeth Francis’ extraordinary life was one that few people experience. Reaching the age of 115, she became the third-oldest person in the world at the time of her death, according to LongeviQuest, an organization that tracks and verifies the oldest people globally.
She was also the 54th oldest person ever documented and the 21st oldest American. Such milestones are not only a testament to her personal strength and vitality but also to the remarkable advances in human longevity in the modern age.
Elizabeth’s family had a history of long lives, making her longevity less surprising to those who knew her. Her sister lived to be 106 years old, and together, they were one of the oldest sibling pairs in history.
Elizabeth Francis outlived her sister by nearly a decade, and at the time of her death, she was survived by three grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. This extended family provided a continuous source of love and companionship, and she was fortunate to be surrounded by them in her later years.
Despite living to 115, Elizabeth’s health remained relatively stable for much of her life. Remarkably, she did not require a wheelchair until she was 108 years old, and even in her final years, she did not need hearing aids.
Her mental clarity and physical well-being allowed her to continue to enjoy the presence of her loved ones and actively participate in conversations and gatherings. The importance of family, faith, and community was evident in Elizabeth’s life, and these connections likely contributed to her overall happiness and sense of fulfillment.
Her granddaughter, Ethel Harrison, who was her primary caregiver, reflected on her grandmother’s habits, saying that Elizabeth Francis always made a point of eating healthier as she grew older. Though she often joked that the secret to her long life was eating whatever she wanted, she avoided alcohol and tobacco, which may have played a role in her remarkable longevity.
Elizabeth’s life advice was simple but meaningful: “If the Good Lord give it to you, use it! Speak your mind, don’t bite your tongue!” This straightforward wisdom resonated with those around her, offering insights into the mindset that carried her through more than a century of life.
Remembering a Houston Icon
Elizabeth Francis was not just a supercentenarian; she was a beloved member of the Houston community. Her long life allowed her to witness vast changes in society, from the early 1900s to the present day. The technological advancements, political shifts, and cultural transformations she saw over her lifetime were immense.
Yet, throughout it all, Elizabeth Francis remained grounded in her community, finding joy and purpose in her role as a mother, grandmother, and friend.
Her presence in Houston was deeply cherished, and she became something of a local icon. Even after she became the oldest living person in the United States, Elizabeth continued to welcome visitors, attend church, and engage with those around her.
Her ability to remain so involved despite her advanced age made her a source of inspiration for many. As a Houstonian, her legacy will live on, not just through her family but through the community that loved and respected her.
Her passing marks the end of an era, but it also reminds us of the incredible human potential for resilience and longevity. Elizabeth Francis’ life was long, but it was also well-lived. She experienced hardships, worked tirelessly, and nurtured a loving family. Through it all, she maintained a sense of humor and wisdom that endeared her to everyone she met.
As of her death, Elizabeth held the title of the oldest living person in the United States, a title she carried with pride. She became the oldest living American last year, and even celebrated her 114th birthday with a gathering of loved ones.
It was at this celebration that she humorously remarked about her secret to longevity, emphasizing the importance of living life fully and enjoying the small pleasures along the way.
With Elizabeth’s passing, Naomi Whitehead, a 114-year-old woman from Greenville, Pennsylvania, now holds the title of the oldest living person in the United States. Though the torch has been passed, Elizabeth’s legacy remains intact, serving as a reminder of the extraordinary life she lived and the many lives she touched.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏