Elizabeth Francis of Texas, America’s Grandmother, Turned 115- A Legacy of Longevity and Faith

Elizabeth Francis of Texas has reached the remarkable age of 115, becoming the oldest living person in the United States as recognized by LongeviQuest. This monumental achievement places her as the fourth-oldest living person worldwide and amongst the 25 longest-lived individuals in American history. Born in 1909 in Louisiana, Ms. Francis has witnessed over a century of transformation, from the fight for women’s suffrage to the digital age.

America is Celebrating a New Milestone in Longevity

Elizabeth Francis, born in Louisiana, has reached an extraordinary milestone by turning 115 years old. Over her lifetime, she has seen significant historical events and societal shifts, from World War I to the modern era. Her family’s genetic predisposition to longevity is evident, as her sister Bertha Johnson lived to 106 years.

Ms. Francis attributes her remarkable lifespan to her unwavering faith in God. This spiritual foundation has been a cornerstone of her life, guiding her through the decades. “If the Good Lord gave it to you, use it! Speak your mind, don’t bite your tongue!” she advises, underlining the importance of faith and self-expression.

Elizabeth Francis lives in Houston, Texas, with her daughter Ms. Dorothy Williams. Remarkably, she is the oldest person globally living at home. Her life is enriched by daily visits from her family, friends and fellow congregants from the Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church. Her primary caregiver, her granddaughter Ms. Ethel Harrison, ensures she receives the best care within their closely-knit community.

Known affectionately as “America’s Grandmother,” Elizabeth Francis is cherished for her wisdom, optimism, and sense of humour. Her life story, marked by her strong faith, formidable character and unyielding spirit, has inspired many. Despite experiencing significant historical events and personal challenges, including Hurricane Beryl’s direct hit on her house, she remains unfazed and continues to live life with vivacity.

In a recent interview Ms. Francis approaches her longevity with a simple yet profound mindset: “I just feel like living every day!” This outlook reflects her positive attitude and zest for life, which has undoubtedly contributed to her long, fulfilled life.

Elizabeth Francis’s journey to her 115th birthday celebration is a remarkable testament to human endurance, faith and the unyielding support of a loving community. Her story is not just about the number of years lived but the quality and impact of those years. Her steadfast faith and vibrant presence continue to be a source of inspiration for all who know her.

Elisabeth Francis- 115 Years in America

Over the past 115 years, major events have significantly impacted women’s rights in America. Here are some key milestones that Ms Francis witnessed during her life:

Early 20th Century (1909-1929)

– 19th Amendment (1920): Granted women the right to vote. This was a landmark achievement in the women’s suffrage movement, which had been ongoing for decades.

Mid 20th Century (1930-1969)

– Rosie the Riveter and World War II (1940s): With many men serving in the military, women entered the workforce in unprecedented numbers, taking on roles traditionally held by men. This shift challenged traditional gender roles and laid the groundwork for future movements for gender equality.

– Equal Pay Act (1963): Prohibited wage discrimination based on sex, aiming to close the wage gap between men and women.

– Civil Rights Act (1964): Title VII of the Act prohibited employment discrimination based on race, colour, religion, sex, or national origin.

Women’s Liberation Movement (1970-1999)

– Roe v. Wade (1973): The U.S. Supreme Court ruling legalised abortion nationwide, recognizing a woman’s right to choose as part of her privacy rights under the Constitution.

– Title IX (1972): Part of the Education Amendments, it prohibited sex-based discrimination in any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance, greatly impacting women’s sports and education.

– Pregnancy Discrimination Act (1978): Prohibited discrimination on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.

Late 20th Century to Early 21st Century (2000-Present)

– Violence Against Women Act (1994): Provided federal resources to prevent and respond to gender-based violence. The Act has been reauthorized several times, expanding protections and services.

– Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act (2009): Addressed pay discrimination, allowing individuals to file complaints about discriminatory paychecks within 180 days of receiving them.

– #MeToo Movement (2017): Sparked a global movement against sexual harassment and assault, leading to widespread societal and legislative changes aimed at protecting women and holding perpetrators accountable.

– Women’s March (2017): A worldwide protest on January 21, 2017, advocating for legislation and policies regarding human rights and other issues, including women’s rights, immigration reform, and healthcare reform.

– Supreme Court Overturns Roe v. Wade (2022): In Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, the Supreme Court decision ended the federal protection of abortion rights, significantly impacting women’s reproductive rights.

These events, among others, have played crucial roles in equally advancing and challenging women’s rights in America. Each milestone has contributed to the ongoing struggle for gender equality and the empowerment of women.

Happy Birthday Elisabeth!

Credit LongeviQuest

LongeviQuest (LQ) is the global authority on maximum human longevity with the largest database of validated living supercentenarians.  The organization was founded in 2022 as a collaboration between the world’s leading age validation experts, with professional researchers in Europe, Asia, and the Americas.  Among its notable research achievements, LongeviQuest validated the first recognized supercentenarians in India and the Philippines. 

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