Born in 1909, Elizabeth lost her mother early and moved to Houston alone. Raised her daughter, worked at a coffee shop for 20 years, never drove a car. Walked everywhere, gardened until 90. Her secret? Vegetables, faith, and the golden rule — treat people how you want to be treated. At 115, she became America’s oldest person. “Live with purpose,” she’d say with a smile. Elizabeth showed us: life isn’t measured in years, but in love given.
Elizabeth Francis was born on July 25, 1909, in St. Mary Parish, Louisiana, into a world that would change dramatically over the next century. Her mother died when she was just 11, and she was sent to live with an aunt in Houston, Texas, where she would spend the rest of her life.
She raised a daughter as a single mother, worked for 20 years at a coffee shop, and never owned a car. She walked everywhere, embracing simplicity and independence. Her days were filled with gardening, which she continued until the age of 90, and her life was guided by three principles: Vegetables, faith, and the golden rule — treat people how you want to be treated.
Elizabeth lived through two world wars, the Great Depression, the Civil Rights Movement, and the digital revolution. She witnessed the invention of the television, the moon landing, and the rise of smartphones. Yet through it all, she remained grounded in community, kindness, and purpose.
At 115 years old, she became the oldest living person in the United States, following the death of Edith Ceccarelli in February 2024. She passed away peacefully in her Houston home on October 22, 2024, surrounded by family.
Her legacy wasn’t just her age—it was her spirit. She often said, “Live with purpose.”
And she did. She inspired generations with her resilience, humility, and warmth. Her granddaughter described her as someone who “never complained, never judged, and always gave love freely.”
Elizabeth’s story reminds us that longevity isn’t just about years—it’s about how you live them. She didn’t chase fame or fortune. She walked, she worked, she loved, and she gave.
In her recipe for life, the ingredients were simple:
- Eat your vegetables
- Keep your faith
- Treat others with kindness
And perhaps most importantly: Measure life not by time, but by love given.