A Brooklyn, N.Y., woman is celebrating her 116th birthday today, and it’s being documented by the Guinness Book of World Records.
Susannah Mushatt Jones was presented with a certificate from the record-keeping organization proclaiming that she’s now the world’s oldest living person. Jones’ recognition comes on the heels of Jeralean Talley’s death in June. Jones was born July 6, 1899, and became the record holder June 17, 2015.
Jones is the daughter of Alabama sharecroppers and the third of 11 children, and she’s outlived all of her siblings. Although she has no children of her own, she has more than 100 nieces and nephews.
When Jones was 106, she told the New York City Housing Authority her key to longevity: “I never drink or smoke. I surround myself with love and positive energy. That’s the key to long life and happiness,” Jones stated.