Naomi Whitehead
Naomi Whitehead | |
|---|---|
Whitehead at age 110 | |
| Born | Naomi Washington September 26, 1910 (age 114 years, 287 days) Georgia, United States |
| Known for | Oldest living person in the United States (since October 22, 2024) |
| Spouse |
Sylvester Whitehead
(m. 1930; died 1979) |
| Children | 3 (deceased) |
Naomi Whitehead (née Washington; born September 26, 1910) is an American supercentenarian who has been the oldest living person in the United States since the death of Elizabeth Francis on October 22, 2024, and who is currently the third oldest living person after Ethel Caterham and Marie-Rose Tessier.[1]
Biography
Whitehead was born September 26, 1910 of African American descent in rural Georgia to Douglas and Pauline (née Young) Washington, where she grew up on a farm picking cotton and tobacco.[2] She lived in Patterson, Georgia, in her youth with her older siblings Douglas, Clarence, Ellen, and Viola.[3]
Her husband died in 1979.[4] She had three sons: Sylvester Jr. (1931–2004),[5] Parrish (1933–2011),[6] and Elbert (1934–2006).[7]
Whitehead has stated that she has never smoked or drank alcohol. She told reporters, "I'll live as long as the Lord lets me."[8]
References
- ^ "World Supercentenarian Rankings List". Gerontology Research Group. March 29, 2024. Retrieved March 30, 2024.
- ^ McMunn, Andrew (October 24, 2024). "Naomi Whitehead becomes oldest living person in US after previous record-holder dies at 115". WAGM-TV. Retrieved October 29, 2024.
- ^ Year: 1920; Census Place: Patterson, Pierce, Georgia; Roll: T625_274; Page: 7A; Enumeration District: 141
- ^ "U.S., Social Security Death Index: Sylvester Whitehead". Ancestry.com. Retrieved March 18, 2025.
- ^ "U.S., Social Security Death Index: Sylvester Whitehead Jr". Ancestry.com. Retrieved March 18, 2025.
- ^ Maglov, Stefan (October 23, 2024). "114-year-old Naomi Whitehead Becomes the Oldest Living American". LongeviQuest. Retrieved October 29, 2024.
- ^ "Elbert T. Whitehead". The Herald. May 8, 2006. Retrieved October 29, 2024.
- ^ "Pennsylvania woman now believed to be oldest living person in North America". KDKA-TV. November 1, 2024. Retrieved November 20, 2024.