Nina Willis
- Full name: Nina Willis (née Frazier)
- Lifespan: 14.01.1909 – 17.05.2023
- Age: 114 years, 123 days
- Birthplace: Robinson, Greene County, Georgia, USA
- Last residence: Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia, USA
- Application date: 14.01.2020
- Validation date: 04.01.2023
- Validation source: Robert Young/Waclaw Jan Kroczek/Oliver Thorpe
Biography
Nina Willis was born on January 14, 1909, in Robinson, Greene County, Georgia, USA, where she grew up working as a farmer. She was one of 20 children and notably had a brother, Bethuel Frazier, who lived to the remarkable age of 109, marking them as one of the oldest sibling pairs on record. In 1947, she relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, where she engaged in domestic work and contributed to Kessler’s Department Store. She was married to Charles Willis, and they did not have children.
Nina Willis spent her later years in a retirement home in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. She continued to enjoy watching baseball and basketball games on TV and made a habit of reading the newspaper every morning. Her sister, Pecola Kirby, served as her devoted caretaker, and the two shared a close bond.
Throughout her life, Willis held the distinction of being the oldest known living person in the state of Georgia, a title she held since the passing of Willie Mae Hardy on December 11, 2019.
Nina Willis became the oldest living African-American person following the death of 113-year old Christine Ireland on Aug. 18, 2021.
On occasion of her 114th birthday, Nina Willis was visited by Robert Young, GRG Director for Supercentenarian Research and Database Department, as well as the Guinness World Records’ Senior Consultant for Gerontology.
Nina Willis passed away in Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia, on May 17, 2023, at the remarkable age of 114 years and 123 days.
As of her passing, Nina Willis was one of only three individuals living in the United States born during the presidency of Theodore Roosevelt. The other two individuals were Edie Ceccarelli and Hazel Plummer. However, it’s important to note that Maria Branyas Morera was born in the United States before all three of these supercentenarians but then resided in Spain.
At the time of her passing, Nina Willis was the third-oldest validated living person in the United States, following Edie Ceccarelli and Hazel Plummer. She also held the fourth position among the oldest validated living American-born individuals, after Maria Branyas Morera, Edie Ceccarelli, and Hazel Plummer. Additionally, she ranked as the seventh-oldest living person globally, with her age verified by the Gerontology Research Group. Nina Willis’ life was a testament to resilience and longevity.
Longevity Recognition
- Oldest living person in Georgia (11.12.2019 – 17.05.2023)
- Oldest living African-American (18.08.2021 – 17.05.2023)
Validation
The age of Nina Willis was verified by Robert Young, Waclaw Jan Kroczek, and Oliver Thorpe, and validated by the Gerontology Research Group (GRG) as of January 4, 2023.
Nina Willis on her 111th birthday [January 2020]
Nina Willis in her youth.
Nina Willis with her sisters.
Nina Willis celebrating her 100th birthday [January 2009]
Nina Willis celebrating her 107th birthday.
Nina Willis on her 111th birthday.
Nina Willis on her 112th birthday.
Nina Willis on her 114th birthday.
Photo courtesy of Atlanta News First, Mrs. Beverly Frazier, and Gerontology Wiki.
