Elizabeth Francis, affectionately known as the “Queen Elizabeth of Houston,” has passed away at the age of 115, making her the oldest person in the United States and the third oldest in the world, according to Ziare.
Surrounded by Community
Francis, one of the few supercentenarians — those who live beyond 110 — had walls adorned with framed letters and birthday greetings from prominent figures, including former President Barack Obama and the Clinton family, who celebrated her remarkable longevity.
Francis was a celebrated figure in Houston, where she lived surrounded by community members and family who visited often.
Her niece and primary caregiver, Ethel Harrison, shared that Francis had a deep love for people. "She loved people," Harrison said to CNN.
Born in 1909 in Louisiana’s St. Mary Parish, Francis witnessed a century of history, from World Wars and the Civil Rights Movement to the service of 20 presidents.
She moved to Texas as a child after losing her mother in 1920 and was raised by her aunt in Galveston. Later, as a single mother, she worked at her church and ran a café in Houston’s KTRK television station for over two decades.
No Drinking or Smoking
At the age of 90, Francis moved in with her daughter and granddaughter, where she spent her final 25 years in their care.
Known for her vitality, she enjoyed her large family of three grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. She was an enthusiastic participant in all family gatherings.
Those close to her credited her long life to a lifetime of abstaining from alcohol and smoking, a habit she attributed to her faith. In a recent interview, she said, "I thank God every day for keeping me here.”
Her faith was central to her life, according to Harrison, who shared that Francis always carried a Bible and that her favorite verse was 1 John 4:8: "Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love."
Francis’s 96-year-old daughter, Dorothy, is holding up well after the loss, says Harrison, adding, “I am so grateful God allowed us so much time with her.”
A memorial service is planned for early November at Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church, where her life will be honored in the presence of loved ones. "It won’t be a sad event,” Harrison said. "It will be a joyful celebration of her life.”
