Oldest verified living person in the world at the time of her death, holding the record for the highest confirmed age of 116 years and 311 days.
Susannah Mushatt Jones, born on July 6, 1899, in Lowndes County, Alabama, was an American supercentenarian who lived an extraordinary 116 years and 311 days, earning her the title of the world's oldest living person and the last living American born in the 19th century.
Jones' remarkable life was marked by her determination, resilience, and achievements that inspired generations, earning her tributes from the United States House of Representatives and the Alabama House of Representatives.
Born to Callie and Mary Mushatt, Susannah was the third child and oldest daughter of eleven children. Her parents, African American sharecroppers, worked the same land as her grandparents, and according to her family, she also had some Native American ancestry.
Jones' early life was filled with hard work, as she started working in the fields at a young age. However, she was determined to find a different path and pursue education. In 1922, she graduated from the Calhoun Boarding High School, where she was recognized for studying Negro Music in France.
After graduation, Jones aspired to become a teacher and was accepted to Tuskegee Institute's Teachers Program. However, her parents could not afford the tuition, and she was forced to move to New York City in 1923 during the early stages of the Harlem Renaissance.
In New York, Jones worked for wealthy families, taking care of their children for $7 a week. She used some of her salary to establish The Calhoun Club, a college scholarship fund for African American students at her high school.
In 1928, Jones married Henry Jones, but the marriage ended in divorce in 1933. She never had children and later said she didn't know what became of her ex-husband.
Despite her personal struggles, Jones continued to support her relatives as they moved to New York, becoming a pillar of her community. She was also active in her neighborhood for almost 30 years, participating in the tenant patrol team.
In 1965, Jones retired and lived with her niece, Lavilla Watson, helping to care for Watson's baby son. At the time of her death on May 12, 2016, Jones resided at the Vandalia Senior Center in East New York, Brooklyn, surrounded by her loving family.
Jones' remarkable life and achievements serve as an inspiration to generations, and her legacy continues to inspire and educate people about the importance of perseverance, determination, and community service.
Susannah Mushatt Jones' life was a testament to her strength, resilience, and determination. Her remarkable achievements and legacy continue to inspire generations, serving as a reminder of the importance of perseverance, community service, and education.
Born in 1898
A Japanese super-centenarian who holds the record for being the oldest person in the world, living to the age of 117 years and 29 days. She is a remarkable example of longevity and a testament to the human body's potential.
Born in 1897
The oldest verified man ever, holding the Guinness World Record for the longest confirmed human lifespan, lived to 116 years and 54 days, sharing his secrets to longevity. He is a symbol of remarkable vitality and inspiration.
Born in 1900
Oldest Jamaican ever, lived to 117 years and 226 days, holding the record for the oldest verified person from Jamaica.
Born in 1899
The oldest Italian person ever, holding the record for the longest confirmed human lifespan in Italy, and one of the last living people born in the 1800s.
Born in 1875
The oldest verified person ever, holding the record for the longest confirmed human lifespan, living to the age of 122 years and 164 days. She outlived both her daughter and grandson, and met Vincent van Gogh in 1888.
Born in 1880
The oldest verified American person ever, holding the record for the highest confirmed age, living to 119 years and 97 days. This remarkable individual's extraordinary longevity has fascinated people worldwide.
