Elizabeth Francis came into the world on July 25, 1909in Louisiana, in a time marked by tumultuous change and unimaginable challenges. Known as the “Queen Elizabeth of Houston”, died this week at age 115 in Texaswhich made her the oldest person in the United States and the third in the world, according to Dallas News.
Francis was one of the few people classified as “supercentenaria”that is, a person who lives more than 110 years.
At 115 years old, Francis was the oldest woman in the United StatesPhoto from LongeviQuest
Before her death, Francis was the 21st oldest American person in history and the fiftieth oldest person in history, according to LongeviQuesta global database that tracks the world’s oldest people. Francis and his sister, Bertha Johnsonmade history as the sister pair with the oldest combined age in the world. Johnson lived to be 106 years old before his death in 2011.
The story of this centenary resident of Houston, Texascaptured attention throughout the world and much more when on more than one occasion revealed his secrets behind a long life.
After the tragic loss of his mother, Francis and his five siblings were separated and sent to different homes. She, however, found her place in Houston, where she was lovingly raised by her aunt. According to your verified profile on LongeviQuest, At the age of 19 she gave birth to her only daughter, Dorothy Williams, who today is 96 years old. As a single mother, she took on the responsibility of caring for and supporting her daughter. For about two decades, he ran a successful coffee shop.
Elizabeth Francis was born in Louisiana, USA, on July 25, 1909; His parents were John Francis (1880–1969) and Virginia Matthews (1880–1920)Photo from LongeviQuest
Francis’s granddaughter, Ethel Harrisonshared with The Washington Post in August 2023 that His grandmother leads a modest and simple life. He never learned to drive, so he uses public transportation or the help of his family to get around. Her daily routine consisted of getting up early, preparing nutritious meals, and enjoying time with her family.. She is passionate about food and her favorite dishes are homemade chicken and meatballs.
By the age of 20, she had already witnessed World War I, the Great Depression, and the adoption of the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote.Photo from LongeviQuest
In July 2024, he celebrated his 115th birthday. surrounded by her close circle, which includes three grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. Francis attributes his longevity to his faith in God, speaking his mind and eating whatever he wants. Likewise, he told News Center Maine what He does not smoke or drink, except for the occasional glass of wine.. “Also I walked a lotso maybe that explains part of his longevity,” considered his granddaughter.
Asked earlier this year how she felt being the oldest living American, Francis told the network KTRK: “I just want to live every day!”.
Around the age of 108, he began to need a wheelchair to get around.Screenshot YouTube KHOU 11
In another interview with LongeviQuestthe woman offered simple, yet powerful advice for those seeking a long and fulfilling life: “Say what you think and don’t shut up. If the good Lord gave you a tongue, use it!”.
Following the death of Edie Ceccarelli in February 2024Elizabeth Francis became the oldest person in the US. and the fifth oldest person in the world, according to the Gerontology Research Group. “I am the oldest living person in Houston and I would like to thank God and all the people who have surrounded and loved me throughout my life. They helped me get here“he said at the time to The Washington Post in an interview.
