Oldest living American, who has died at age 115, was woman of faith

Elizabeth Francis of Houston, the nation’s oldest person, died earlier this month at age 115  She was born in 1909 and lived through both World Wars and America’s civil rights battle, and even saw 20 presidents come to power.

Francis, who worked at her church and ran a coffee shop, shared her secret to a long life. “I just thank the good Lord for keeping me here,” she said, according to “Faithwire.”. “He’s had no reason to take me.”

During that same interview, she revealed 1 John 4:8 is her favorite Bible verse. It reads, “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” She also offered some life advice to others. “If the good Lord gave it to you, use it,” Francis added. “Speak your mind; don’t bite your tongue.”

Francis has long praised God for her longevity. In 2019, when she turned 110, she told local media the same thing about her long life. “Blessing of the Lord,” she said “He’s the one keeping me. That’s why I’m living.”

Francis’ granddaughter, Ethel Harrison, said Francis’ faith was essential to her life and helped her navigate not only tough times but also how she honored and cared for others. “She had a Bible with her at all times,” she said. “She’ll tell you that that’s what helped her to live as long as she lived. She was a person who loved people. She cared about people. But most of all, she loved the Lord. I think that would sum it up for her.”

Francis’ daughter is now 96 years old, and she is taking the loss well, according to Harrison. ““I’m just so grateful that God allowed us to have her as long as we did,” Harrison said. “You know, we can’t be selfish trying to keep her here.”

–Alan Goforth | Metro Voice