In her hometown of Waco, Texas, Hattie Mae Allen, who is officially the oldest living person in the US, celebrated her 116th birthday on Sunday with a special parade.
A Life Rich in Experience
Born on February 11, 1908, in Montgomery County, Alabama, Allen went to Texas with her family during her childhood and has been there ever since. She wed John Allen in 1928, and the two had seven children along with 29 grandchildren, 48 great-grandchildren, and 35 great-great grandchildren. She was employed as a seamstress and domestic helper for the majority of her life.
Allen credits her long life to her love for her family, her faith in God, and her healthy lifestyle choices. She avoided alcohol and cigarettes and stuck to a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and seafood. She also likes doing crafts like crocheting, reading, and watching TV.
A Treasured Birthday Bash
On Sunday afternoon, the city of Waco planned a birthday parade to honor Allen’s incredible achievement. More than a hundred trucks, vehicles, and motorcycles drove by her home, honking and waving. Balloons, banners, and signs reading “Happy Birthday Hattie” and “116 and Still Going Strong” were used to decorate a few cars.
Donning a tiara and a pink dress, Allen observed the procession from her front porch, grinning and waving to visitors who included neighbors, family, friends, churchgoers, and local government representatives. The mayor of Waco presented her with a proclamation, recognizing February 11 as “Hattie Mae Allen Day” in the city.
Thanking everyone who attended the party and expressing her thanks and overwhelming happiness at the outpouring of love and support, Allen said she felt “blessed and happy.”
A Treasure of the Nation
Allen is the oldest surviving person in the United States and the eighth oldest in the world, according to the Gerontology Research Group, an organization that tracks and verifies the ages of supercentenarians (individuals 110 years or older). At 118 years old, Japanese citizen Kane Tanaka is the oldest living person in the world.
The family of Allen took great pleasure in her legacy and hoped that her example would encourage others to live long, fulfilling lives. They are excited to celebrate her next birthday and many more to come. They anticipate future celebrations.
