Oldest living woman in US dies days before 114th birthday

(2012 AP)

CLEARWATER, Fla. – The oldest living person in the United States has died at the age of 113, just a few days before her 114th birthday.

Elsie Thompson, who became the nation's oldest living person in January, died March 21, according to a spokeswoman from her church in Clearwater, Fla.

A memorial service for Thompson was held at Skycrest United Methodist Church on March 26.

Thompson was born in Beaver Falls, Pa., on April 5, 1899. Her husband, Ronald Thompson, was a Republican state senator in Pennsylvania and in 1971, the couple moved to Clearwater, Fla. Mr. Thompson died in 1986.

Mrs. Thompson is survived by her son, who is in California, and four grandchildren.

She said that the secret to her longevity was the fact that she loved people and greeted each new day with a smile.