A Texas woman who celebrated her 110th birthday last month isn’t crediting diet or genes for her long life, instead, she is giving all of the credit to God.
When asked about her long life, Elizabeth Francis told ABC 13 in Houston — “Blessing of the Lord. He’s the one keeping me. That’s why I’m living.”
Francis was born in Louisiana in 1909. That year, William Howard Taft was president. Wilbur and Orville Wright had flown their famous plane just six years earlier. World War I had not yet started. And Civil War veterans were still alive.
In 1909, the life expectancy of a woman in America was only 54 years. Francis defied those odds for yet another year, as she celebrated her 110th birthday.
Francis celebrated surrounded by family, friends, community leaders and balloons. She even wore a “Happy Birthday” crown.
Among the community leaders joining the Francis Family in celebration of Elizabeth was Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner.
Francis has enjoyed six generations of family members. According to ABC 13, the 110-year-old has remained mentally sharp and is “relatively healthy.”
Her granddaughter Ethel Harrison said, “It’s really special because she’s been able to watch and see all of her grandchildren grow up and be a part of their lives,”
The Francis family described the birthday party as the perfect way to celebrate this next century of life for the family’s matriarch.