Bettie Wilson

Bettie (Rutherford) Wilson (born September 13, 1890) became the oldest verified living person in the United States with the death of Emma Verona Johnston on December 1, 2004. She lost this designation, perhaps temporarily, when the age of Elizabeth Bolden was verified in April 2005.

Born of freed slaves, she is the oldest resident of the state of Mississippi ever recorded. Her oldest son, Willie, was born October 27, 1909 - making him 95 years old himself. In late April 2005, Mrs. Wilson moved into a new home funded by donations.

With the death of Hendrikje van Andel-Schipper on August 30, 2005, she is the second-oldest known living person after Elizabeth Bolden.

At age 115, she is very active after an interview was conducted last November. She works her little "nigga ass" off reading stories to her great-great grandson and her son who is soon to be 96.