CNN —
Elizabeth Francis, known as “Queen Elizabeth of Houston,” died this week at the age of 115, making her the oldest person in the United States and the third oldest person in the world.
Francis was one of the few people classified as a supercentenarian, someone who lives past the age of 110.
The walls of Francisco’s room are adorned with plaques, proclamations and framed birthday cards from former President Barack Obama, the Clinton family and others who celebrate her longevity each year. Francis’ granddaughter and primary caregiver, Ethel Harrison, said politicians, community members and loved ones often visited Frances’ home.
“She loved it,” Harrison told CNN. “She loved people."
Before her death, Francis was the 21st oldest American in history and the 54th oldest person in history, according to LongeviQuest, a global database that tracks the world’s oldest people. Frances and her sister Bertha Johnson made history as the oldest living siblings in the world by combined age. Johnson was 106 years old by the time of his death in 2011.
When asked earlier this year how it feels to be the oldest living American, Francis told CNN affiliate KTRK, “I feel like I’m alive every day!” .
Born in 1909 in St. Mary Parish, Louisiana, Francis has seen a lot in his life. She witnessed 20 presidents, two world wars, a racist society, and the civil rights movement, all in real time.
On Francisco’s 115th birthday this year, she received a letter from Barack and Michelle Obama recognizing her contributions and the history she lived.
“For a century, you have created wonderful memories and woven your own unique stories into the American story,” the letter said. “You are part of a generation that summoned compassion and strength to lead our country through its greatest challenges and victories, and we are so proud of all you have contributed to our great nation. we believe.”
Frances experienced loss early in her life when her mother died in 1920. She then moved to Galveston, Texas, where she was raised by her aunt. Her other five siblings were dispersed to separate homes.
In 1928, Frances gave birth to her only child, Dorothy Williams, and raised her as a single mother.
For more than 20 years, she spent her life caring for others, working in a church and running a coffee shop for television station KTRK. Houston spent most of his life at home.
“My grandmother was also a caregiver,” Harrison said. “She took care of her brothers, sisters and father. It was part of her life.”
In 1999, it was time for her loved ones to take care of her. Frances moved in with her daughter and granddaughter when she was 90 years old. She lived there for 25 years until she passed away peacefully Tuesday night.
Even in her old age, Harrison remembers her grandmother as a vibrant and active woman. Francis, who by the time he was 112 years old had three grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren, was “an enthusiastic participant” in all family events, Harrison said.
Those who knew Francisco generally attributed her long life to her lifelong abstinence from alcohol and smoking. When asked, Francis always said it was because of God.
“I’m just grateful to the good Lord for keeping me here,” she told LongeviQuest earlier this year. “He had no reason to take me.”
Francisco’s faith meant everything to her, her granddaughter said. It was something that sustained her through difficult times and shaped the way she treated others.
“She always carried a Bible with her,” Harrison said. “She would say that…it helped her survive as long as she lived.”
Her favorite Bible verse is 1 John 4:8: “He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” Harrison said this is a lesson she instilled in her grandchildren. He said it was.
“She was a people person. She cared about people,” Harrison said. “But most of all, she loved the Lord. I think that sums it up for her.”
Harrison said Frances’ daughter, now 96, is taking the loss well. They all are.
“I’m so grateful that God allowed us to have her this far,” Harrison said. “You know, we can’t be selfish to keep her here.”
The family plans to celebrate Francisco’s life in early November at her home church, Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Houston. Although Francisco has outlived most of her friends, the service will be filled with those who loved her.
“I’m not going to be sad,” Harrison said. “It’s going to be a fun celebration. A celebration of life.”
