| Fannie Thomas | |
 | |
| Birth: | 14 April 1867 Denver, Hancock, Illinois, USA |
| Death: | 22 January 1981 Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Age: | 113 years, 283 days |
| Country: |  USA
|
| Validated | |
Francis Leora "Fannie Leona" Thomas (14 April 1867 – 22 January 1981) was a validated American supercentenarian who was the world's oldest living validated person and the oldest validated person ever at the time of her death, having surpassed the previous record-holder, Delina Filkins, by 69 days.
Biography
Francis Leora was born in Denver, Hancock County, Illinois, USA, 14 April 1867. She had a sister named Marietta. When she was in her 30s, she was working as the owner of a millinery store. Aside from selling hats, she was also active in the real estate business as well as running a fruit farm in Idaho.
She lived with Marietta in Los Angeles between 1920–1927 until her death. Fannie Thomas’ secrets to longevity was eating apple sauce three times a day and not getting married. She also stated (on her 113th birthday) that she didn’t understand the big fuss about being the oldest living person in the world.
Thomas died on 22 January 1981, at the age of 113 years, 283 days (Fannie herself claimed to be ten days younger). Her cause of death was pneumonia.
Longevity was prevalent among Fannie and her sisters. Her oldest sister, Marietta, lived to be 101 and her older sister, Lucy, lived to be 102. Fannie's only brother, William, lived to be 91.
References
- Daily Herald Suburban, January 26, 1981
- Bulletin Journal, January 27, 1981
- Frances Leora 'Fanny' Thomas (1867 - 1981) FamilySearch
