A woman from Houston, Texas, who celebrated her 115th birthday last month, has become the oldest living individual in the United States.
“She attributes her longevity to the grace of God,” stated her granddaughter Ethel Harrison, 69, who also resides in Houston, in an interview with Fox News Digital.
“That’s how she has lived for so long. She possesses a very spiritual nature.”
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Elizabeth Francis was the second-oldest person in the United States until the prior record holder, Edie Ceccarelli, 116, of Mendocino County, California, passed away on February 22.
Elizabeth Francis, age 115, resides in Houston, Texas, and has been recognized as the oldest living person in the United States and the fourth-oldest documented person worldwide. (Ethel Harrison)
According to the Gerontology Research Group (GRT), Elizabeth is also the world’s fourth-oldest living individual—this organization is based in Los Angeles and focuses on research in gerontology, human longevity, public health, and demographics.
“Supercentenarians” are individuals who have surpassed the age of 110. Though there are over 97,000 centenarians in the United States, the number of supercentenarians is significantly smaller, as noted by the World Economic Forum, a Swiss nonprofit research institute.
Francis lives in her home with her daughter, Dorothy Williams, who is 95 years old.
They receive assistance from several caregivers, including Harrison.
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Harrison shared that Francis has always emphasized the importance of family loyalty and caring for one another.
Ben Myers (far right) from LongeviQuest, a worldwide research organization focusing on human longevity, presents an award to Elizabeth Francis’ family recognizing her as the oldest living American. (Ethel Harrison)
“She was also a caregiver,” Harrison remarked.
“She cared for her father until he passed away at 99, and subsequently had a sister live with her. Her guiding principle has always been, ‘Treat others how you wish to be treated.’ We have lived by that mantra.”
Ben Meyers serves as the CEO of LongeviQuest, an organization dedicated to researching and studying human longevity.
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“There’s recently been heightened curiosity about longevity and aging,” Meyers noted.
Ben Meyers, CEO of LongeviQuest, reflected that many supercentenarians he collaborates with have a deep sense of faith. (Ben Meyers)
“We aim to learn how to care for ourselves and live enriching lives. Supercentenarians serve as remarkable role models. Their life stories and philosophies are truly captivating,” he expressed.
“Many are eager to uncover the secrets of longevity… aspiring to develop strategies for a long life. However, the only individuals we know who have successfully aged to such an extraordinary extent are supercentenarians. We refer to them as the ‘Olympians of aging.’ Ms. Francis is a prime example.”
Meyers visited Francis and her family earlier this year to award her the title of oldest living American.
“One of the standout qualities of Ms. Francis is her embodiment of family and community,” he stated.
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“She continues to live in the comfort of her home and holds the title of the oldest person to do so. It’s quite extraordinary. Also, her community involvement through her church is significant. There are really active families and communities involved. Reaching such an age in isolation is quite challenging,” Meyers noted.
Francis has officially been recognized as the oldest living person in America after celebrating her 115th birthday last month. (Ethel Harrison)
Born in Louisiana on July 25, 1909, Francis has witnessed two world wars and two global pandemics.
Despite never having driven, she worked outside the home, managing a coffee shop at a TV station in Houston during the 1970s and 1980s.
Francis has three grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren.
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According to Harrison, the primary focus of her grandmother has always been her family and faith.
“Whenever we had family gatherings—be it for parties or graduations—she was always present,” Harrison recalled.
Last year, Francis and her family celebrated her 114th birthday together. (Ethel Harrison)
She has always been devoted to one church, the Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church, established in 1872.
“Pastor Cofield and the congregation still visit her home,” Harrison mentioned.
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Francis credits her long life to her faith and continues to watch her church services on television due to her inability to attend in person. (Ethel Harrison)
“They visit her and bring communion,” Harrison explained. “Even though she can’t attend in person, she remains an active member. We tune in to the services on television.”
Meyers remarked that the supercentenarians he interviews often express a strong sense of faith.
“Ms. Francis attributes her longevity entirely to God,” Meyers commented.
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Francis, who has three grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren, had all her loved ones present at her 114th birthday celebration last year. (Ethel Harrison)
Another admirable quality Francis demonstrates, according to Meyers, is “total fortitude.”
“She doesn’t let herself be distracted by things beyond her control,” he said.
“She stays focused on her immediate world. When I asked her about the significant events she has experienced, her responses were quite casual. Regardless of the circumstances—whether good or bad—she doesn’t get flustered, maintaining her daily focus.”
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Harrison mentioned that while Francis may not engage in conversation much anymore, she is captivated by familiar hymns and enjoys singing along.
Francis is reportedly one of only 68 individuals to reach the age of 115 and among the 25 longest-living Americans in history. (Ethel Harrison)
Francis has always enjoyed gardening and sharing produce with others.
“She believed in preparing healthy meals and was a hard worker — ‘Just work hard,’ she would say. And that’s exactly what we did.”
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Elizabeth Francis is one of only 68 known individuals who have reached the remarkable age of 115 and ranks among the 25 longest-lived people in American history, as noted by LongeviQuest.
When asked last year about the key to her long life, Francis shared with Fox News Digital, “It’s just the Lord working with me and keeping me here.”
