Guinness World Records officially recognized Elizabeth Jones Bolden as he oldest woman in the world August 2005 shortly after her 115th birthday. That recognition was authenticated using Census records.
Born Elizabeth Jones on August 15, 1890, she was the daughter of freed slaves and went on to outlive her husband, Louis Bolden, and five of her seven children. In her many years, “Momma Lizzie” as she was affectionately known, also realized a legacy of longevity that includes 40 grandchildren, 75 great grand children, 150 great, great, grandchildren, 220 great-great-great grandchildren and 76 great-great-great-great grand children.
That family, with a proud heritage that dates back to Momma Lizzie’s home in Somerville, Tennessee, now stretches from coast to coast. She even has a grandson Tommy Bolden, who lives here in St. Louis. Most of the family still lives in Tennessee.
