America’s oldest person, Elizabeth Francis of Houston, has revealed her secret to a long, happy life: “Speak your mind and don’t hold your tongue.” Elizabeth’s story spans more than a century, living through major historical events and a life full of love.
Elizabeth celebrated her 115th birthday this week. Her special day was marked with two slices of her favorite vanilla cake. Her granddaughter, Ethel Harrison, 69, said, “We all know that we have to punch that [final] ticket someday, so we’re amazed and grateful that she’s still here. She’s surprised us all.”
This photo from Elizabeth Francis’ scrapbook shows her at age 26, circa 1935. Photo courtesy of Ethel Harrison
Born in Louisiana in 1909, she lived through World War I and saw the sinking of the Titanic. She was alive during the Great Depression, saw the first airplane flight and has lived through 20 presidencies. After her mother died when she was 11, Elizabeth and her siblings were sent to live with relatives. She later became a single mom and ran a coffee shop for 20 years.
Francis now lives with her 95-year-old daughter, who is pushed by wheelchair into her bedroom every morning to watch classic sitcoms. “They enjoy sitting next to each other to laugh and watch old episodes of ‘Good Times’ and ‘The Jeffersons’ on television,” Harrison said.
Known for her tea cakes and chicken and dumplings, Elizabeth always shared what she grew in her vegetable garden. Her granddaughter believes Elizabeth’s simple and active lifestyle has contributed to her long life. Despite her age, Elizabeth remains mentally sharp. “My grandmother sleeps much more than she did six months ago, but she still says exactly what she thinks and doesn’t hold back,” Harrison said.
In February, Elizabeth became the oldest person in the U.S. after the previous record holder, Edie Ceccarelli, passed away. In April, LongeviQuest, an organization that tracks the world’s oldest people, awarded her a plaque recognizing her as the oldest person in the country. When asked how she feels about turning 115, Elizabeth simply said, “I just thank the good Lord that I’m here.”
She was just shocked to hear she was now the oldest — she couldn’t believe it,” Harrison said.
Francis is the fourth-oldest person in the world and the oldest person still living at home. LongeviQuest’s Ben Meyers commented, “Elizabeth Francis is America’s grandmother, beloved by her family and community and admired worldwide. Her story is about faith, fortitude, and family more than it is about longevity.”
Elizabeth Francis, right, with her daughter, Dorothy Williams, left, and granddaughter Ethel Harrison at home in Houston. Photo by Emmanuel Rodriguez
As Elizabeth celebrated her 115th birthday, her family honored her with a large vanilla cream sheet cake, her favorite flavor. Harrison noted, “She’s earned something special, but the cake won’t have 115 candles. Instead, we’ll make it easy and light three: two number 1s and a 5.”
Her family knows how lucky they are to have had so much time with Elizabeth. “We all know that we have to punch that [final] ticket someday, so we’re amazed and grateful that she’s still here,” her granddaughter said. “She’s surprised us all.”
Sources: Washington Post | NY Post
