HOUSTON, Texas — A Texas woman is marking a major milestone Thursday as she celebrates her 115th birthday.
Houston resident Elizabeth Francis is the oldest person in the United States and the fourth oldest in the world, making her one of roughly 722,000 centenarians across the globe.
Francis reached the mark back in February after previous record-holder Edie Ceccarelli died at 116 years old in her home state of California.
Born in 1909, Francis spent her early childhood in St. Mary Parish, Louisiana, with her five siblings. After her mother died, she moved to Houston to live with her aunt.
Francis has lived through a series of major historical events, including both World Wars, prohibition, the introduction of color television, the Vietnam War and the first-ever moon landing.
She also saw significant human rights advancements, including women receiving the right to vote, the start of the Civil Rights movement and the end of segregation in the U.S.
Not only that but there have been 20 U.S. presidents in office throughout her lifetime.
Francis isn't the only one in her family to have lived an exceptionally long life. One of her sisters, Bertha Johnson, lived to be 106 years old and another was alive until 95.
Her daughter is currently 94 years old, and they spend their days together in Francis' Houston home.
According to Francis, her religious faith is part of what has kept her in good health throughout the years.
"If the good Lord gave it to you, use it," she told KVUE's sister station KHOU in Houston. "Speak your mind, don't hold your tongue!"
There are only three people in the world who are older than Francis: two are 116 years old and the other is 117.
