Cathal BarryThe world’s oldest known person has credited her faith for her longevity. “It’s the Lord. Everything is in his hands,” said Jeralean Talley, who will turn 116 next month.
The US-born woman became the oldest person in the world following the death this week of fellow American Gertrude Weaver.
Ms Talley, who was born on May 23, 1899, lives in the Detroit suburb of Inkster aided by her daughter, Thelma Holloway, 77.
Her advice to the world on the occasion of her having attained a new level of celebrity, according to reports, was a rephrasing of Christianity’s Golden Rule: “I ain’t got nothing more but to treat the other fellow like you want to be treated. You don’t tell a lie on me so I won’t tell a lie on you.
“I feel good. I don’t feel sick. I’m still trying to do the right thing is all,” she said.