Hester Ford, oldest living American celebrated her 116th birthday surrounded by several generations of her family and revealed the secret of her longevity as reported by a British Internet media company UNILAD.
Hester Ford was born in Lancaster County, South Carolina. The exact year of her birth is unknown: according to various sources, she was born in 1904 or 1905. When she was 14, she married John Ford. At 15, she gave birth to her first child.
The life of the oldest person on Earth is shrouded in mystery. Still trying to uncover the true life story.
John worked in a steel mill, and Hester took care of the house, farm and their 12 children. In 1963, John died at the age of 57. To date, Hester has lived twice as long as her late husband. Hester has 12 children, 68 grandchildren, 125 great-grandchildren and 120 great-great-grandchildren.
On Saturday, August 15th, Hester celebrated her birthday. Although the exact year of her birth is unknown, the family believes she is 116 years old. Relatives drove past her house to safely congratulate her during the novel coronavirus pandemic. They left gifts in front of the walkway to her house, and she took them later.
Until the age of 108, Hester had never been to the hospital and lived in her home without assistance. In the past few years, her three daughters have moved in with her. Before the pandemic, Hester attended Mass on the first Sunday of every month. She retains her wit, is able to self-feed, and walks short distances with a walker.
When asked about the secret of her longevity, Hester replies, “I just live the right way, and that’s it.”
