Elizabeth Francis Celebrates 115 Years with Timeless Wisdom

 

Elizabeth Francis, the oldest living person in the United States, marked her 115th birthday on Thursday with her characteristic wisdom and grace. Francis’s longevity has captivated many, and her advice on living a long and fulfilling life has resonated widely: “If the good Lord gave it to you, use it” and “Speak your mind, don’t bite your tongue!”

Born in 1909 in St. Mary Parish, Louisiana, Francis has witnessed nearly a century and a quarter of history. She was just a toddler when the Titanic sank and was 11 years old when women in the US secured the right to vote. Throughout her life, Francis has endured and observed the end of both World Wars, the tenure of 20 different US presidents, and has weathered the impacts of two of the deadliest pandemics: the 1918 flu outbreak and Covid-19.

Now residing in Houston, Texas, Francis recently experienced another significant event when Hurricane Beryl struck the region on July 8. Despite the storm's devastation, which caused power outages for nearly 3 million homes and businesses and resulted in at least 36 fatalities, Francis remained unshaken. Her resilience through such trials is a testament to her enduring spirit.

Ben Meyers, CEO of LongeviQuest, an authority on supercentenarians, praised Francis, referring to her as “America’s grandmother.” Meyers noted that Francis’s remarkable life has been met with optimism, humor, and strength. “None of it has seemed to rattle her,” he added.

Francis attributes her remarkable longevity in part to her deep religious faith. She is a cherished member of the Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church, where fellow worshippers and family, including her daughter Dorothy Williams, provide daily support and companionship.

Good genetics also play a role; her late sister Bertha Johnson lived to 106. Francis inherited the title of the oldest living American following the death of Edie Ceccarelli on February 22, just two weeks after her 116th birthday.

In April, LongeviQuest honored Francis with a plaque recognizing her status. Her granddaughter Ethel Harrison shared that Francis was initially surprised by her new title. “We all know that we have to punch that [final] ticket someday, so we’re amazed and grateful that she’s still here,” Harrison remarked. “She’s surprised us all.”

As of her birthday, Francis is one of only 68 people worldwide known to have reached the age of 115. She joins a select group that includes three individuals who are older: Japan’s Tomiko Itooka and Brazil’s Inah Canabarro Lucas, both 116, and Spain’s Maria Branyas Morera, who is 117.

Reflecting on her extraordinary life, Francis’s response to her remarkable age was simple yet profound: “I just feel like living every day.”