Elizabeth Francis, recognized as the oldest living person in the United States and a storied Houston icon, passed away at the age of 115. Her death was confirmed on Tuesday. Texas Public Radio noted Francis as the third oldest person in the world at her time of passing and highlighted her life which spanned significant historical chapters.
According to American-Statesman, Francis was the third oldest person in the world, and with her passing, Naomi Whitehead, who is 114, has become the oldest American. Born in Houston in 1909, Francis lived through two World Wars and the Great Depression, witnessing significant social changes and key events like the Civil Rights Act.
Family was central to Francis' long life. She lived with her 95-year-old daughter, Dorothy Williams, and was cared for by her granddaughter, Ethel Harrison. "Ms. Elizabeth Francis was America's Grandmother. She lived a life of faith and love, always crediting the Good Lord for her longevity," said Ben Meyers, a spokesperson for LongeviQuest, in a statement obtained by Texas Public Radio.
Francis' granddaughter, in a previous interview with American-Statesman, shared some wisdom Francis believed was key to a long life: "Treat people like you want to be treated.” Harrison also shared details of her grandmother's simple and routine-filled life, which prominently featured home-grown vegetables and an occasional glass of wine. “Her life was always pretty simple: early to bed, early to rise, work hard, then come home and make a nutritious meal and be with family,” Harrison said.
