114-Year-Old Elizabeth Francis Is Named The Oldest Living Person In America
At the age of 114, LongeviQuest has named Elizabeth Francis of Texas the oldest living person in the United States of America.
She was named the eldest American following the passing of Edie Ceccarelli, who previously held the title at age116, of Willits, California.
According to LongeviQuest, Francis ranks as the fifth oldest living person in the world behind Maria Morera of San Francisco, 116, Tomiko Itooka of Osaka, Japan, 115, Inah Canabarro Lucas of Brazil, 115, and Juan Vicente Pérez of Venezuela, 114.
The Louisiana-native was born 11 years before women could vote in the United States.
Last July, she celebrated her 114th year around the sun alongside her daughter Dorothy Williams, her granddaughter, Ethel Harrison, care-givers, fellow church members, politicians, and both local and global media.
The record-maker was handed a Texas-shaped plaque honoring her milestone with the caption: "Elizabeth Francis, Oldest Living Texan," certified by LongeviQuest.
RELATED: Woman Born On Leap Year Celebrates Age 100 As Just Her 25th Birthday
The chief executive of the organization, Ben Meyers, described her as alert and active during the entire event. She managed to hold the attention of the group for over four hours and played host to a large group of well-wishers.
"Ms. Elizabeth Francis is admired around the world, both for her longevity and her approach to life," Meyers began.
"Reaching this milestone was never an aspiration for her, merely a byproduct of how she lived her life every day, doing right by her loved ones and by God," Meyers continued. "We can all learn from her example."
RELATED: Angelina Jolie's Age: Proof That 'Maleficent' Star Is Really Getting Older
Ms. Francis has credited her longevity to her faith in God. She doesn't drink or smoke, and according to her granddaughter, she has always made efforts to eat healthy, even growing her own food.
"She always grew her vegetables in the backyard. I never saw her go to a fast food restaurant much as like Chick-fil-A and all the places I liked to go. She never did that," she said.
"If the Good Lord gave it to you, use it! Speak your mind, don't hold your tongue!" Francis said, offering advice as to what's brought her through the years.
Ceccarelli, who died on Feb. 22 at 116 and 17 days old, credited her longevity to not smoking or drinking, staying away from arguments, being truthful, putting in effort, and finding joy in the small things.
