Photo: Longeviquest
Elizabeth Francis, a Texas woman who was the oldest known living person in America, has died. She was 115.
According to LongeviQuest, an organization that tracks the oldest people in the world, Francis died on Tuesday (October 22).
"We are saddened to report the passing of Ms. Elizabeth Francis," LongeviQuest reported. "Ms. Elizabeth was a Houstonian icon and a cherished member of the community."
Francis was born in 1909 in Louisiana. Following her mother's death, Francis was raised by her aunt in Houston.
In 1928, Francis gave birth to her daughter, Dorothy Williams, who she raised as a single mother. Francis operated a coffee shop in Houston for nearly two decades before retiring in 1975.
The supercentenarian lived with Williams in their Houston home before her death.
Francis was the third-oldest known living person in the world and among the longest-lived people in U.S. history. She previously cited that she had lived a long life due to her faith in God, speaking her mind, and eating whatever she wanted. Francis said she didn't smoke or drink except for an occasional glass of wine. She only began requiring a wheelchair for mobility at 108.
“If the Good Lord gave it to you, use it. Speak your mind, don’t hold your tongue," Francis previously said.
Rest in peace, Elizabeth Francis.
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