Even with an increased life expectancy these days, something like a hundred and sixteenth birthday will always be truly impressive. One such impressive individual is Jeralean Talley. She has just celebrated her 116th birthday.
Previously, the oldest living person was Gertrude Weaver from Arkansas who died at the age of 116. Therefore, the title was passed on to Talley after her demise.
On May 23, 1899 in Georgia, Talley was born. She had 11 siblings and was part of a large family. She moved to Michigan in the year 1935 with her husband Alfred Talley. Her husband passed away in the year 1988, when he was 95 years-old.
For her birthday, Talley even received a letter from President Barack Obama, who wrote in the letter, “The breadth of your experiences and depth of your wisdom reflect the long path our Nation has traveled since 1899. During this time, there have been setbacks and breakthroughs, false starts and improbable victories, and through it all our country’s spirit has endured — strengthened and enriched by each generation.”
This was truly an overwhelming present to receive. Turning a hundred and sixteen is wonderful enough and receiving a letter from the president is the cherry on the cake.
Photo Via Flickr/OmerWazir
