A Texas Woman Celebrates Being The Oldest Person Alive In America

Now this is a special birthday, and a historic one.

Today, July 25, Elizabeth Francis in Houston, Texas is celebrating her birthday. But not just any birthday. Today is her 115th birthday.

According to the Washington Post, Elizabeth Francis also now holds the title of Oldest Person in the United States. Francis was the second-oldest until February 22 when the previous longevity record holder passed away a few weeks after her 116th birthday.

And yes, there is an organization that tracks this.

LongeviQuest tracks the oldest people in the world and back in April, presented Francis with a plaque that celebrates her milestone as the oldest person alive in the United States.

Get our free mobile app

Elizabeth Francis, The Oldest Texan and American Alive

According to the Washington Post, Frances was born in Louisiana in 1909 and was just 11-years-old when her mom died. Francis was separated from her siblings and was send to live with her aunt. As a single mom, she ran a coffee shop at ABC 13 News in Houston for 20 years. She never learned how to drive and instead walked or took the bus everywhere. According to the Washington Post, her family says she has led a simple life.

“She’s led a simple life and has always stayed busy with her family,” Harrison said, explaining that Francis’s family regularly stops by, including three grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.

While Francis is the oldest person alive in the United States, she is actually the fourth oldest living person in the world. She is though, the oldest living person still living at her own home.

So does Francis have any advice for those who want to live a long time? You bet she does.

“Speak your mind and don’t hold your tongue.”

Well said, and Happy Birthday to oldest Texan and oldest American.