116 Years Young

The oldest living American celebrated her 116th birthday Saturday, August 15th in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Ford is a little more than three years away from being the longest-living person in the United States.

Hester Ford celebrated the incredible occasion with a giant drive-thru celebration that included her family, friends, and members of the community, according to WCNC-TV.

Ford has 12 children, 48 grandchildren, 108 great-grandchildren, and about 120 great-great-grandchildren.

“It’s so important if you do have loved ones, no matter what their age, cherish them especially when they get older and don’t forget to celebrate them,” said Clayton Harris, one of Ford’s grandchildren, to WCNC, “Because life is so short.”

For years, Ford believed she had been born in 1905 but found out through census documents she had actually been born in 1904, in Lancaster, South Carolina, when Theodore Roosevelt was president.

WCNC said Ford moved to Charlotte in 1953 and has lived in the same home in Queen City ever since.

Because of the coronavirus pandemic, Ford has not been able to go to church, which is her favorite place. But the church sent CDs and the deacons have brought her communion, the family is grateful for the outpouring of love and support.

Ford’s grandchildren said their granny understands the pandemic that is happening right now. This is not new to Ford, who lived through the 1918 flu pandemic. Ford’s mother helped to take care of the sick.

“She said this kind of reminds her of that time back then,” said Mary Hill, one of Ford’s grandchildren, to WCNC, “She just said she remembers that a lot of people were sick.”

Instead of flowers and gifts for Ford’s birthday celebration, the family would appreciate donations to the National Kidney Foundation.

Original story from KCRA-TV