Elizabeth Francis, Oldest Person in the U.S., Dies at 115
Elizabeth Francis, the oldest living American, passed away peacefully at the age of 115 in her Houston home. Born in 1909 in Louisiana, Francis lived through some of the most significant events in modern history, witnessing 20 U.S. presidencies, two world wars, and several pandemics.
### A Life Spanning Over a Century
Elizabeth Francis was born during the presidency of William Taft and lived through the administrations of 20 U.S. presidents. Her life began in Louisiana, but at the age of 11, she moved to Houston after her mother’s passing. She lived with her 95-year-old daughter, Dorothy Williams, and granddaughter, Ethel Harrison, until her death.
Francis’s life was a testament to resilience, having survived both World War I and World War II, along with numerous other conflicts and health crises that shaped the 20th and 21st centuries. Her longevity made her a living witness to over a century of American history, from the early 1900s to the present day.
### The Legacy of Longevity
Elizabeth Francis’s passing marks the end of an era, but her legacy lives on through her family and the memories of those who knew her. Her granddaughter, Ethel Harrison, described her as a loving and wise matriarch who remained sharp and engaged with the world around her until her final days.
With Francis’s passing, the title of the oldest living person in the U.S. now goes to 114-year-old Naomi Whitehead from Pennsylvania.
### Conclusion
Elizabeth Francis’s remarkable life spanned 115 years, making her a symbol of endurance and strength. Her passing is a reminder of the incredible changes and challenges that have shaped the last century, and her memory will continue to inspire those who knew here.