 |
Alelia MurphyAmerican centenarian
Date of Birth: 06.07.1905
Country:  USA |
Content:
Althelia Murphy: The Oldest American
Althelia Murphy, born Alelia Stewart on July 6, 1905, in Grifton, North Carolina, became the oldest American on January 8, 2019, after the passing of Lessie Brown of Ohio. Her age was verified by the Gerontological Research Group in Sandy Springs, Georgia.
Birthday Celebration
Murphy's 114th birthday was celebrated at the Harlem State Office Building with family, friends, and officials. Her daughter, Rose Green, a retiree, remains active in the 1199SEIU union. Her nurse attributed Murphy's longevity to her active lifestyle.
Personal Life
Murphy, known as "a gift from God" by her daughter, raised two children as a single mother after the death of her husband, Fred. The family has resided in Harlem for decades. Murphy was a skilled seamstress who made hats, clothing, and baked. She was an avid dancer and managed her own finances until she was nearly 90. Her favorite motto was, "No time to sleep. You sleep when you die!"
Longevity Secrets
While Sarah Knauss holds the record as the oldest verified American, having lived through seven U.S. wars and 23 presidential administrations, the current oldest living person is Kane Tanaka, a 116-year-old Japanese woman born on January 2, 1903. According to Gerontological Research Group, Tanaka attributes her longevity to family, hope, sound sleep, and diet.
