On October 22, 2024, following the passing of Elizabeth Francis, Naomi Whitehead officially became the oldest living person in the United States—a title that represents more than just age; it’s a bridge across generations.
Born Naomi Washington on September 26, 1910, in rural Georgia, she grew up on a farm, helping pick cotton and tobacco while learning resilience, responsibility, and the value of hard work alongside her older siblings Douglas, Clarence, Ellen, and Viola. At 20, she married Sylvester Whitehead, and the couple raised three sons: Parrish, Elbert, and Sylvester Jr., growing a family that expanded through generations.
Naomi’s life witnessed some of the most transformative events of modern history: wars, civil rights movements, economic upheavals, medical revolutions, and the rise of digital technology. By 2020, she had already surpassed 110 years of age, a milestone carefully verified by longevity experts and the Gerontology Research Group. She became Pennsylvania’s oldest living person in 2022 and assumed the title of America’s oldest in 2024 at 114 years old.
Her story is not just about years lived—it is also one of loss, faith, and quiet strength. Naomi outlived her husband, all three of her sons, and many contemporaries. Despite mobility challenges in later years, she remains mentally sharp and engaged. Faith anchors her life; she often says, “I’ll live as long as the Lord lets me.” Through cooking, drawing, music, and storytelling, Naomi maintains connection, joy, and purpose every day.
