Elizabeth Francis, the oldest person in the United States, passed away peacefully at the age of 115 on Tuesday. At the time of her death, she was the third-oldest person in the world, according to LongeviQuest, a global database tracking the world’s oldest people.
A Life Spanning 20 U.S. Presidents
Born on July 25, 1909, Francis lived through an astonishing 20 U.S. presidents, starting with William Howard Taft. Originally from Louisiana, she had been a long-time resident of Houston, Texas, where she lived with her 95-year-old daughter, Dorothy Williams, and her granddaughter, Ethel Harrison.
A Resilient Life in Houston
Francis moved to Houston at the age of 11, following her mother’s death. She and her five siblings were sent to different homes, and she was raised by her aunt. She never learned to drive but worked outside the home, managing the coffee shop at a local TV station during the 1970s and 80s.
A Pillar of Family and Community
Ben Meyers, CEO of LongeviQuest, previously highlighted how deeply Francis was connected to her family and community. “Ms. Elizabeth was an example of family and community support,” Meyers said, noting how rare it is for someone of her age to live at home rather than in isolation.
Francis attended the same church for many years and was an active member of her community. Meyers remarked on the significance of her church community, stating that maintaining those social ties was a key factor in her remarkable longevity.
A Legacy of Generations
Francis is survived by her 95-year-old daughter, along with three grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren. She leaves behind a lasting legacy of family, faith, and resilience.
