The oldest living woman in the United States celebrated her birthday Saturday.
Hester Ford turned 116, or maybe 115. Regardless, she is the oldest living American, according to the Gerontology Research Group, which gathers information of the world’s oldest living humans.
For years Ford believed her birthday was Aug. 15 1905. However, more recently, older U.S. Census Bureau information indicated she was born in 1904, WTVD reported.
Despite the discrepancy, there is no dispute that Ford was born in Lancaster County, South Carolina, on Aug. 15, and is the oldest living person in the country. She has lived in Charlotte, North Carolina, since the mid-1950s, WSOC-TV reported.
“We are living amongst a living legend."
Posted by WSOC-TV on Saturday, August 15, 2020
She grew up picking cotton, plowing fields and picking vegetables. She later moved to the city where she married and raised a family. The matriarch encouraged her family to do their best and to work hard for what they want.
Recently, Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles declared her birthday, Aug. 15, as Mother Hester Ford Day.
She has 12 children, 48 grandchildren and more than 200 great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.
“We are living (among) a living legend,” great-granddaughter, Tanisha Patterson-Powe, told WSOC-TV.
Cox Media Group
