Elizabeth Francis, the oldest person in the U.S., passed away at the age of 115, making her the third-oldest person in the world at the time of her death. Born on July 25, 1909, she lived through 20 U.S. Presidents, with her first being former President William Howard Taft. Although she was originally from Louisiana, Francis spent most of her life as a resident of Houston, Texas, where she lived with her 95-year-old daughter, Dorothy Williams, and granddaughter, Ethel Harrison.
After her mother’s death when she was 11, Francis was raised by her aunt and has called Houston home ever since. Despite never driving a car, she worked outside the home, running a coffee shop at a TV station in Houston during the 1970s and 80s. Ben Meyers, CEO of LongeviQuest, described Francis as an example of the importance of family and community support. He noted that she had been sustained by her family and the community she had built over the years, attending the same church and staying active within her community.
Described as a cherished member of the Houston community, Francis was known for her active participation in her church and her strong family connections. Measured by the number of her descendants, Francis is survived by three grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren. She was also recognized as the oldest person in the world to live at home, showcasing her strong sense of independence and ability to age gracefully surrounded by loved ones and a supportive community.
At the age of 114, Francis credited her long life to God, stating that it was “just the Lord keeping me here.” In her final years, she continued to participate in church activities and remained an active member of her community. Her dedication to her faith and her commitment to her family and community were praised by those who knew her. Meyers emphasized the importance of family and community in Francis’s life, highlighting her ability to reach such an advanced age while remaining surrounded by those who cared for her.
Following her passing, a news release from the LongeviQuest database described Francis as a Houstonian icon and a cherished member of the community. Her longevity and the impact she had on those around her were evident to all who knew her. Despite living through major historical events and changes over the course of her life, Francis maintained her strong sense of self and her connections to her family and community until the very end. Her legacy as the oldest person in the U.S. will continue to inspire others to cherish their loved ones and remain actively engaged in their communities.
