Title: Oldest Texan Celebrates her 114th Birthday, Aims for 115th Milestone
Elizabeth Francis, the oldest Texan, recently celebrated her 114th birthday in a joyous event filled with love, laughter, and well-wishes for the coming years. Surrounded by family and friends, Francis expressed her gratitude for reaching such an impressive milestone and expressed her hopes of celebrating her 115th birthday next year.
Born in 1909 in Louisiana, Francis has lived a remarkable life. Despite experiencing the loss of her mother at a young age and being separated from her siblings, she persevered and found strength in her family ties. Francis moved to Houston and was raised by her aunt. Over the years, she developed a close bond with her eldest sister, who lived next door and lived to be 106 years old.
Francis found contentment in the simple joys of life. As a single mother, she supported herself and her child by running a coffee shop for two decades until her retirement in 1975. Her disciplined routine, retiring early, rising early, working hard, and spending quality time with her family, attributed to her longevity. Walking and a healthy diet, including her famous chicken and dumplings and homegrown vegetables like collard greens, further contributed to her well-being.
Her granddaughter, Ethel Harrison, 68, organized a grand celebration for Francis’s special day. The festivities featured a delectable vanilla and chocolate sheet cake, dozens of flowers, and a plaque officially recognizing Francis as the oldest Texan. The family rejoiced in her remarkable achievement, and their joy was shared by numerous well-wishers from the local community and her church.
Francis’s determination and resilience have placed her among an exclusive group of supercentenarians – individuals who live to the age of 110 or older. While Elizabeth Francis is the oldest Texan and the seventh oldest living person globally, she is surpassed by Edie Ceccarelli, 115, in the United States, and Maria Branyas Morera, 116, worldwide, according to reputable organizations that track the oldest living individuals.
Ben Meyers, Chief Executive of LongeviQuest, an organization that researches the oldest people globally, explains that supercentenarians like Francis often possess a healthy relationship with stress and maintain a positive outlook on life. They find ways to cope with challenges and persevere, focusing on the positive aspects. Despite not having aimed for celebrity status, Elizabeth Francis’s age alone has made her a well-known figure, celebrated annually in the media.
As she reflects on her long and fulfilling life, Francis thanks God and all the people who have surrounded her and loved her through the years. She believes their support and love have played a significant role in her longevity. Looking forward to her next birthday, Francis states that it is never too early to start planning the festivities. With a mischievous twinkle in her eye, she promises to enjoy two pieces of birthday cake, just like she did at her 114th celebration.
Elizabeth Francis is a testament to the power of love, family, and a positive attitude to living a long and meaningful life. Her journey inspires many and serves as a reminder that each day is a gift to be cherished. As her birthday wishes resonate with hope and gratitude, we join her in celebrating the incredible milestone of 114 years and eagerly anticipate her 115th birthday celebration next year.
