Bessie Hendricks, of Lake City, Iowa, became the oldest person in the United States on Monday, November 7, as she celebrated her 115th birthday.
Bessie, who was born in 1907, has lived through 21 presidents, two World Wars, the sinking of the Titanic, man landing on the moon, and just about everything else that has occurred in the living memory of any person on Earth.
Bessie celebrated her 115th birthday with a small gathering of her kids, the eldest of whom is 90 herself.
Joan Schaffer, Bessie’s eldest daughter, had her own birthday on November 6th.
She is not sure how to put it into words, Joan remarked of her mother’s special day. It’s incredible that they still have her.
Joan also described how, as a young girl, Bessie was obliged to assume immense responsibilities.
Her mom’s mom died when her mom was approximately 13 years old, Joan stated.
After that, she raised her siblings. And she lived just across the street from where she taught school, so she had no excuse not to attend, not to make it to school.
Bessie even had a birthday celebration of sorts at the Shady Oaks Care Center in Lake City, according to sources. Her children sung her favorite song, “You Are My Sunshine,” there.
They used to wheel her about at Shady Oaks, and every room they’d stop at, she’d still sing ‘You Are My Sunshine,’ Bessie’s son Leon Hendricks recalled.
Bessie is currently the oldest person living in the United States, according to the Gerontology Research Group. She is also the world’s tenth oldest person.
Bessie, happy birthday! And best wishes for next year!
