Gertrude Baines - Longevity

Longevity

• On March 2, 2006, Marion Higgins died, and Baines, aged 111 years 330 days, became the oldest living person in California.
• On October 13, 2007, Baines, aged 113 years 190 days, moved into the top 100 verified oldest who have ever lived.
• On March 22, 2008, Arbella Ewing died, and Baines, aged 113 years 351 days, became the oldest verified living African American person in the world, and third-oldest verified person in the world.
• On November 11, 2008, Baines, aged 114 years 219 days, surpassed Carrie Lazenby (1882–1996), to become the oldest person ever born in the state of Georgia.
• On November 26, 2008, Edna Parker died, and Baines, aged 114 years 234 days, became the oldest verified living American and second-oldest verified person in the world.
• On December 6, 2008, Catherine Hagel died, and Baines, aged 114 years 244 days, became the last living person verified to have been born in 1894.
• On January 2, 2009, Maria de Jesus died, and Baines, aged 114 years 271 days, became the oldest verified person in the world.
• On September 11, 2009, Baines died, aged 115 years 158 days, surpassing the lifespan of Emiliano Mercado del Toro by two days and becoming the 15th oldest validated person ever.

When asked to what she credited her longevity, Baines answered: "God. Ask Him... I took good care of myself, the way He wanted me to." She also said, "No, I didn't ever think I'd live this long."