111-Year-Old Atlanta Resident Willie Mae Hardy Reveals Her Secret to Longevity

111-year-old Willie Mae Hardy reveals her secret to long life in an inspiring interview that is making rounds on the internet. Let's take a look back on the long life she's lived and her advice to longevity.

Willie Mae Hardy is one of the oldest living persons in the US, and she agreed to be interviewed to look back at the remarkable life she's lived.

Willie Mae Hardy was born on March 11, 1908, back when Theodore Roosevelt was still president. Since then, she's lived through World War I, World War II, the Jim Crow era, and the civil rights movement.

Growing Old in Different Eras

Hardy is the granddaughter of a slave and was raised in Talbot County. In World War I, she was an elementary school student. In her early 20s, the country was experiencing the Great Depression, and during the outbreak of World War II, she got married and moved to Atlanta.

According to her granddaughter, Veronica Edwards, her grandma has gone through a lot and they are just trying to make the most out of the time they have with her.

It is Edwards who takes care of Hardy in their east Atlanta Home, where Hardy has lived since the '60s.

"She's really been through a lot, and she's seen a lot. So we just cherish every moment we have with her."

Growing Stronger through Experiences

Although Hardy finds it hard to speak long sentences, her granddaughter, who has been living with her for a while now, answers on her behalf.

"She has endured so much in her life. You hear about people talk about civil rights? She is civil rights, growing up in the Jim Crow era."

Meanwhile, when asked what her secret is to long life, Hardy made sure to respond, saying:

"Trusting in the good Lord."

Creating Memories with Hardy

Hardy's home is filled with memorabilia that she's collected through the years, including a birthday card from former President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama. In fact, Hardy even met Mrs. Obama last year and spent time with her.

When her granddaughter was asked about what she wanted to say to her grandmother, she said:

"We love you. We appreciate you. We couldn't do without you. I love you, grandmomma."

Oldest Living Pair in the UK

While Willie is one of the oldest living people in America, Phyllis Jones and Irene Crump, identical twins, became Britain's oldest pair as they turned 102 last November 20.

Phyllis and Irene were born in 1916, 25 minutes apart. The two of them have lived under the reign of four monarchs, experienced 20 prime ministers, and seen two world wars.

While Willie's advice is to trust in God, Phyllis and Irene's is to eat a lot of fish and two strong drinks at a time.