elizabeth francisPassed away recently at the age of 115, the longest living person In the United States and the third oldest in the world. Frances was born in 1909 and has lived through more than a century of history, from world wars to technological revolutions, but her life has been defined by simple values; family, Beliefand kindness.
Frances spent most of her life in Houston, Texas, where she was known not only for her longevity But because of her infectious spirit and love for people. Her granddaughter and carer Ethel Harrison, 69, described her as a person who was always full of joy and deeply rooted in her heart Christian faith. “She loved the Lord. She was very strong in her faith,” Harrison told ABC News, reflecting her grandmother’s generous and caring nature. “She always said, treat others the way you would like to be treated.”
Despite her advanced age, Frances maintained a youthful outlook on life. In an interview for her 114th birthday with ABC’s KTRK-TV in Houston, she joked: “I’m very, very young. Look at me, I’m like a chicken.” Her sense of humor, positivity and humility have endeared her to Loved by many.
What’s Elizabeth’s secret to longevity? A life rooted in moderation and care. She never smoked or drank, but ate “everything,” focusing on home-grown vegetables and home-cooked meals. Her granddaughter fondly recalls Frances always cooking whatever the day was, attributing her longevity to her healthy lifestyle. Frances preferred home-cooked meals to fast food, and this conscious approach to caring for her body, along with her faith, may have been the key to her incredible longevity.
Francis’ daughter Dorothy Williams, now 96, expressed her gratitude for her mother’s longevity. “It’s hard to believe, but it’s such a blessing,” Williams said. “She was a wonderful mother and grandmother to all of us.”
Elizabeth Frances leaves a legacy that transcends her years—of love, resilience, and a deep connection to family and faith. In a world that changed dramatically in her lifetime, her values remained the same, reminding everyone who knew her that life is all about how we treat others and take care of ourselves.
