America’s oldest, Elizabeth Francis, peacefully passed at 115.

At her passing, the Houston resident was reportedly the 54th oldest person in history.

Elizabeth Francis, who passed away on Oct. 22 at 115, was the oldest living American and the world’s third-oldest person.

Elizabeth Francis, a supercentenarian who celebrated her 115th birthday earlier this year, passed away peacefully, as reported by ABC News. Born in 1909, she was recognized as the 54th oldest person worldwide and the 21st oldest American at her passing. Originally from Louisiana, Francis spent much of her life in Houston, earning respect and admiration from her family, community, and political leaders. As a single mother, she ran a coffee shop, leaving a legacy of resilience and hard work.

Living at home with her 95-year-old daughter, Dorothy Williams, Elizabeth Francis stayed fully engaged with those around her, even without hearing aids, as noted by global longevity company LongeviQuest. Each day, she could look up at her walls adorned with proclamations from Houston’s political leaders who frequently visited her. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump honored her memory, describing Francis as “a powerful pearl of wisdom.”

Francis was a single mother who managed a coffee shop, and her secret to a long life included a supportive family, abstaining from alcohol and smoking, and remaining active throughout her years. Her 69-year-old granddaughter and caregiver, Ethel Harrison, shared that Francis loved people and had a deep faith. “Her faith was extremely strong,” Harrison said. Despite losing her mother at age 11, Francis became the backbone of her family, enduring segregation and two world wars by holding onto her faith. As a member of Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church, her favorite Bible verse from John was: “He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” Harrison remembered her grandmother’s life motto: “Treat people like you want to be treated.”

At 114, Francis told ABC Houston KTRK-TV that she still felt young at heart. Growing her own vegetables and cooking at home, healthy eating was simply part of her life. When asked about being the oldest living American, she replied, “I just feel like living every day!”

Her granddaughter, Harrison, described her as a “jolly” person, which matched her favorite color, yellow, as noted by LongeviQuest. For those hoping to reach her age, Francis shared her advice: speak your mind and never hold back.