Texas Woman, Oldest Living American, Dies at 115

HOUSTON, TX — Elizabeth Francis, the oldest living person in the United States and a Houston resident, died Tuesday at the age of 115.

Born in Louisiana in 1909, Francis had lived in Houston for most of her life.

Francis became the oldest living American in February 2024 after the death of 116-year-old Edie Ceccarelli of California. She witnessed major historical events, including the sinking of the Titanic, the passage of women’s right to vote, and the election of the first African-American president.

Francis is survived by her daughter, three grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren. Her granddaughter, Ethel Harrison, said Francis died peacefully, surrounded by family.

Naomi Whitehead, 114, of Pennsylvania, is now the oldest living person in the U.S.