Edna Parker

At 115 years old, Edna Parker of Shelbyville, Indiana, holds the Guinness World Record as the world's oldest living person. Parker turned 115 on Sunday, April 20, 2008. During her birthday party on Friday, April 18, guests released 115 balloons into the sky outside her nursing home.

Fast Facts

1. Profession: Teacher
2. Born: April 20, 1893 in Morgan County, Indiana
3. Married next door neighbor Earl Parker on April 12, 1913
4. Has two sons, who have both passed away
5. Has five grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, 13 great-great grandchildren

Centenarian study

Scientists from the New England Centenarian Study at Boston University collected samples of DNA to add to the database of supercentenarians. Her genes, along with about 100 other people who lived over 110 years, will be analyzed by aging specialists. They are looking for longevity enabling genes.

Worlds Oldest Woman

Edna was born on April 20, 1893. Her husband, Earl, died in 1938 and Parker lived alone in their farmhouse until 1993. She then moved in with her son's family, and when they found that she was in need of more care, she moved into a convalescent home. Following the death of 114 year old Yone Nimagawa on August 13, 2007, she was named the world's oldest person.

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