The majority of people desire to live long and healthy lifestyles. In Iowa, a woman achieved her objective even more.
In Carroll County, Iowa, on November 7, 1907, Bessie Laurena Hendricks was born. She experienced the Titanic tragedy, two World Wars, and two pandemics that occurred 100 years apart. Hendricks discussed the American Civil War, Pearl Harbor, and the terrorist atrocities on September 11, 2001. She witnessed the voting rights of women and subsequently African-Americans.
Hendricks witnessed the appointment of the first female to the Supreme Court during her lifetime. She witnessed the first black president and the very first female vice president being elected in the United States. She grew up, got married, became a teacher, has five children and lived to be the oldest person in America. During that time, there had been 20 US presidents in the White House.
Bessie Laurena Hendricks, an Iowa woman believed to be the oldest living person in the U.S., died at 115.
— The Philadelphia Inquirer (@PhillyInquirer) January 6, 2023
Hendricks witnessed news of the sinking of the Titanic, World War I and II, the Great Depression, and both the Spanish flu and COVID-19 pandemics.https://t.co/M6GORGvMlb
On January 3, 2023, Hendricks’ intriguing life ended on that day at the ripe age of 115 years old. She spent her final years in a senior living community that she allegedly enjoyed and frequented.
Hendricks passed away over a year after breaking the record for the oldest validly living American.
Hendricks passed the milestones of becoming a supercentenarian and a centenarian just before she passed away. The former refers to a person who lives past the age of 100, while the latter refers to someone who survives past the age of 110. She told USA Today that she thought the reasons she had lived so long were because she had worked hard, avoided doctors, and indulged in desserts. Because of her lifespan and lack of any serious illnesses, her doctor has referred to her as a “miracle lady.”
Three children, nine grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, 42 great-great-grandchildren, and seven great-great-great-grandchildren are Hendricks’ surviving family members.
As of now, Edie Ceccarelli is the oldest person still alive in the country. On February 5, she will become 115 years old.
