HOUSTON, Texas — Elizabeth Francis, fondly known as the “Queen Elizabeth of Houston,” passed away this week at the age of 115, marking the end of a life that made her the oldest person in the United States and the third oldest worldwide.
The supercentenarian was revered for her dedication to family, faith, and humble lifestyle; Francis’s remarkable life spanned over a century and left an indelible mark on those who knew her.
“Ms. Elizabeth Francis is admired around the world, both for her longevity and her approach to life,” said Ben Meyers, CEO of LongeviQuest, in a statement when she marked her 114th birthday in 2023.
“Reaching this milestone was never an aspiration for her, merely a byproduct of how she lived her life every day, doing right by her loved ones and by God. We can all learn from her example.”
A Legacy of Longevity and Faith
Born in 1909 in St. Mary Parish, Louisiana, Francis witnessed over a century of historic moments, from two world wars to the civil rights movement.
After losing her mother in 1920, she and her five siblings were separated, Francis relocated to Galveston, Texas, where she was raised by her aunt.
In 1928, she gave birth to her daughter, Dorothy Williams, whom she raised as a single mother while managing a coffee shop at ABC 13 News in Houston.
She retired in 1975 after nearly 20 years of service, moving in with her daughter in 1999, where she continued to live until her passing.
Ms. Williams, who, now aged 96, reflects on her mother’s life with gratitude.
“I’m just so grateful that God allowed us to have her as long as we did,” said Ethel Harrison, Francis’ granddaughter and primary caregiver.
Francis, who was less than two years younger than the world’s oldest person, 116-year-old Maria Branyas Morera of Spain, is remembered not only for her age but for her strength and spirit.
At her 114th birthday celebration, Meyers presented her with a Texas-shaped plaque, celebrating her as the oldest Texan.
Known as the world’s oldest person living at home, she was visited daily by family and friends, with her granddaughter, Ethel Harrison, serving as her primary caregiver.
Secrets to a Long Life: Faith, Family, and Speaking Her Mind
Francis spent her life dedicated to family and community, working at her church and running a coffee shop at local TV station KTRK for over 20 years.
Her granddaughter, Harrison, recalls that Francis also cared for her siblings and father, embodying her role as a caregiver.
In an interview with LongeviQuest, Francis attributed her longevity to her unwavering faith, stating, “I just thank the good Lord for keeping me here. He’s had no reason to take me.”
Known for her openness and self-expression, Francis advised, “If the Good Lord gave it to you, use it. Speak your mind, don’t hold your tongue.” This philosophy of speaking her truth extended into her daily life, where she was known for her candid yet loving approach with family.
Reflecting on her grandmother’s lifestyle, Harrison noted Francis’s simplicity and independence, saying, “She never learned to drive, so she took the bus to work or people in the family would give her a ride.”
Harrison added that Francis led a “pretty simple life—early to bed, early to rise, work hard, then come home and make a nutritious meal and be with family.”
Although she lived a modest lifestyle, Francis embraced life with a vibrant spirit, attending family gatherings well into her late years.
Her long life has been attributed to her abstinence from alcohol and smoking, though she credited her longevity to her faith.
Francis was known for her ever-present Bible, with her favourite verse, 1 John 4:8, guiding her outlook: “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”
Even in her later years, Francis continued to maintain her faith and connection with loved ones, celebrating her life’s simplicity and strength.
Her family plans to honour her legacy with a celebration of life at Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Houston this November.
As Harrison remarked, “It’s not going to be sad. It’s going to be a happy celebration. A celebration of life.”
