October 27th 2024.
Elizabeth Francis, who was affectionately known as the "Queen Elizabeth of Houston," passed away this week at the remarkable age of 115. She was not only the oldest person in the United States, but also the third oldest person in the world. Francis was truly one of a kind, classified as a supercentenarian, a rare title given to those who live beyond the age of 110.
Her room was a testament to her incredible life, adorned with plaques, proclamations, and framed birthday cards from distinguished figures like former President Barack Obama and the Clinton family. Every year, they joined in celebrating her long and fulfilling life. It was a common occurrence for politicians, community members, and loved ones to visit Francis at her home in Houston. Her granddaughter and primary caregiver, Ethel Harrison, shared that she relished these visits as she simply loved being around people.
Before her passing, Francis was recognized as the 21st oldest American in history and the 54th oldest person in the world, according to the global database LongeviQuest. She and her sister, Bertha Johnson, made history as the sibling pair with the oldest combined age in the world - Johnson lived to be 106 before her passing in 2011. When asked earlier this year how she felt about being the oldest living American, Francis responded with her trademark positivity, telling CNN affiliate KTRK, "I just feel like living every day!"
Francis was born in 1909 in St. Mary Parish, Louisiana, and her life spanned a remarkable period in history. She witnessed 20 presidents, two world wars, a segregated society, and the civil rights movement, all in real-time. On her 115th birthday this year, she received a letter from Barack and Michelle Obama, acknowledging her contributions and the history she lived through. The letter read, "Over the course of one century, you have made extraordinary memories and woven your own unique story into the American narrative. You are part of a generation who summoned the compassion and strength to guide our country through some of our greatest challenges and triumphs, and we trust you take tremendous pride in all you have contributed to our great nation."
Francis experienced loss early in her life when her mother passed away in 1920. She was then raised by her aunt in Galveston, Texas, along with her other five siblings who were split up to different homes. In 1928, Francis became a mother herself, giving birth to her daughter, Dorothy Williams. As a single mother, she dedicated her life to caring for others and worked at her church and a coffee shop at a local TV station for over 20 years. Houston was her home for most of her life. Her granddaughter, Harrison, shared that Francis was also a caregiver in her own right, taking care of her siblings and father. It was a big part of who she was.
In 1999, it was time for Francis' loved ones to take care of her. She moved in with her daughter and granddaughter at the age of 90 and spent the next 25 years with them before quietly passing away on Tuesday night. Harrison remembers her grandmother as an energetic and active woman, even in her old age. With three grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren by the age of 112, Francis was a joyful and enthusiastic participant in all of their family activities.
Those who knew Francis often attributed her longevity to her abstinence from alcohol and smoking throughout her life. But when asked, Francis always credited God for her long life. "I just thank the good Lord for keeping me here," she told LongeviQuest earlier this year. "He's had no reason to take me." Her faith was everything to her, according to her granddaughter. It was what gave her strength during difficult times and shaped the way she treated others. "She had a Bible with her at all times," Harrison shared. "She'll tell you that that's what... kept her going and allowed her to live as long as she did." Her favorite Bible verse was 1 John 4:8, "Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love." This was a lesson she instilled in her grandchildren, reminding them to love and care for others just as she did.
Francis' daughter is now 96 years old, and according to Harrison, she is taking the loss of her mother in stride. The whole family is grateful for the time they had with her. "I'm just so grateful that God allowed us to have her as long as we did," Harrison said. "We can't be selfish trying to keep her here." The family plans to celebrate Francis' life at the beginning of November at her home church, Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church, in Houston. Though she outlived most of her friends, the service will be filled with all those who loved her. As Harrison put it, "It's not going to be sad. It's going to be a happy celebration. A celebration of life."
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