On October 22, 2024, following the passing of Elizabeth Francis, Naomi Whitehead became the oldest living person in the United States—a distinction that reflects more than just longevity. It marks a living link to over a century of American history.

Born Naomi Washington on September 26, 1910, in rural Georgia, she grew up on a farm where she helped pick cotton and tobacco alongside her older siblings—Douglas, Clarence, Ellen, and Viola. Those early years taught her resilience, responsibility, and the enduring value of hard work.

At age 20, Naomi married Sylvester Whitehead. Together, they built a life rooted in love, family, and perseverance. They raised three sons—Parrish, Elbert, and Sylvester Jr.—and saw their family tree branch into multiple generations, each carrying forward the legacy of her strength and dedication.

Naomi has lived through two World Wars, the Great Depression, the civil rights movement, and the digital revolution. Her life is a testament to change, endurance, and the quiet strength of ordinary people who become extraordinary through the years they’ve lived and the wisdom they’ve gained.

Now at 114, Naomi Whitehead stands not just as a record-holder, but as a symbol of American endurance and familial love. Her story connects past to present, reminding us all of the power of perseverance and the richness of lives lived with purpose.