Elizabeth Francis, lovingly known as the “Queen Elizabeth of Houston,” passed away on October 22 at the remarkable age of 115, leaving behind a legacy of faith, love, and inspiration. Her life spanned over a century, touching the hearts of many who marveled not only at her longevity but at the unshakable faith that sustained her throughout her incredible journey.

Born in 1909, Elizabeth lived through some of the most pivotal moments in history. From two World Wars to the civil rights movement, and having witnessed 20 U.S. presidents take office, she had truly seen it all. Despite all the changes in the world, one thing remained constant for Elizabeth: her faith in God.

When asked about the secret to her long life, Elizabeth was quick to point to her relationship with the Lord. “I just thank the good Lord for keeping me here,” she once said in an interview with Longeviquest.com. “He’s had no reason to take me.” Elizabeth firmly believed that her longevity was a divine blessing, and her favorite Bible verse, 1 John 4:8 — “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love” — guided her life.

For Elizabeth, faith was not just about personal reflection but about actively living out God’s love. She worked at her local church and even ran a coffee shop at a TV station in Houston, where she often shared her wisdom and kindness with others. Her granddaughter, Ethel Harrison, noted that Elizabeth always kept a Bible close by, a source of strength and guidance that helped her navigate life’s many challenges.

“She’ll tell you that’s what helped her live as long as she lived,” Harrison told CNN. “She cared about people, but most of all, she loved the Lord. That sums up who she was.”

Elizabeth’s advice to others was simple yet profound: “If the good Lord gave it to you, use it! Speak your mind; don’t bite your tongue!” she urged in one of her last interviews. This boldness, rooted in her deep faith, was evident in the way she approached life. She wasn’t just a survivor of time — she was a woman who lived fully, honoring the blessings of each day.

In 2019, when Elizabeth celebrated her 110th birthday, she once again credited her longevity to God. “Blessing of the Lord,” she said of her milestone. “He’s the one keeping me. That’s why I’m living.”

Elizabeth’s daughter, Dorothy Williams, who is 96, carries on her mother’s legacy of faith and love. As those who knew Elizabeth reflect on her life, they remember her not just as the oldest American but as a woman whose heart was full of God’s love. Her life serves as a testament to the power of faith and the beauty of a life lived for the Lord.