At 115 years old, Edna Parker of Shelbyville, Indiana, held the Guinness World Record as the world's oldest person. Parker passed away on November 26, 2008. Chicago Tribune: World's oldest person dies at age 115 (November 26, 2008)
A Kazakh woman is reportedly due to celebrate her 130th birthday. If confirmed, Sakhan Dosova would be the oldest woman alive, surpassing Parker by 16 years.The Daily Mail: Is this woman really as old as the LIGHT BULB?... (March 27, 2009)
World's Oldest Woman
Parker 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, Parker was named the world's oldest person. She 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.FOX News: Indiana Woman, Oldest Known Person, Turns 115 on Sunday (April 18, 2008)
Centenarian study
Scientists from the New England Centenarian Study at Boston University collected samples of DNA to add to the database of supercentenarians, people who have lived to be over 110 years old. Her genes, along with about 100 other people who lived over 110 years, was analyzed by aging specialists looking for longevity enabling genes. FOX News: Indiana Woman, Oldest Known Person, Turns 115 on Sunday (April 18, 2008)
Featured Video
Edna Parker Blogs and Communities
- iwebie.com: Edna Parker Dead (November 29, 2008)
References
Fast Facts
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Born
April 20, 1893 in Morgan County, Indiana
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Fact:
Married next door neighbor Earl Parker on April 12, 1913
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Profession
Teacher
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Fact:
Had two sons, who both passed away before she did
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Fact:
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Date of death
November 26, 2008
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Fact:
