Besse Berry Cooper (née Brown; born August 26, 1896) is an American supercentenarian. After the death of Eunice Sanborn on January 31, 2011, she became the world's oldest living person.[1] Since February 2011, she has been listed as one of the 50 verified oldest people ever.
Besse Cooper | |
|---|---|
| Born | Besse Berry Brown August 26, 1896 (age 128 years, 125 days) |
| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | East Tennessee Normal School |
| Occupation | Teacher |
| Known for | The oldest living person in the world since January 31, 2011 |
| Spouse | Luther Cooper (1924-1963) |
| Children | 4 |
Biography
Cooper was born Besse Brown, in Sullivan County, Tennessee, the third of eight children.[1] She graduated from East Tennessee Normal School, in 1916, and was a teacher in her native Tennessee before moving to Georgia, near the beginning of World War I.Cite error: The <ref> tag has too many names (see the help page). There, she taught at the Between School, in Between, Georgia.[2] Cooper married Luther Cooper in 1924, and was widowed in 1963.[3]
Cooper became Georgia's oldest resident on January 19, 2009, following the death of 113-year-old Beatrice Farve.[3] She lives in Monroe at the Walton Regional Medical Center Nursing Home.[2][4]
As of her 114th birthday, Cooper had four children, 11 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.[4]
Longevity records
- On January 24, 2011, Cooper, aged 114 years, 151 days, became one of the 50 verified oldest people ever.[citation needed]
- On January 31, 2011, with the death of Eunice Sanborn, Cooper, aged 114 years, 158 days, became the world's oldest verified living person.
- On March 8, 2011, Cooper aged 114 years, 194 days, became one of the 40 undisputed oldest people ever.
See also
References
- ^ a b Associated Press (2010-03-09). "Oldest American dies". Chicago Tribune. p. 3.
{{cite news}}:|access-date=requires|url=(help) - ^ a b "Birthday kiss for a centenarian". Atlanta Journal-Constitution. 2009-08-27. p. B1.
{{cite news}}:|access-date=requires|url=(help) - ^ a b Milligan, Stephen (2007-08-26). "At 111, she's second oldest in Georgia". Walton Tribune. Retrieved 2010-04-06.
- ^ a b France, Erin (2010-08-27). "World's third-oldest celebrates". Athens Banner-Herald. Retrieved 2010-09-02.
- ^ Texan cited as world's oldest person dies at 114