World's oldest woman, resident of Brooklyn, turns 116

BROOKLYN (WABC) -- There's a birthday celebration Tuesday in Brooklyn that's more than a century in the making.

Susannah Mushatt Jones, the world's oldest living person, turned 116 years old Monday. And Jones is celebrating with two birthday parties - an intimate family gathering that was held Monday and a larger celebration with her housing community, friends and local officials Tuesday.

Born on July 6, 1899, Ms. Jones became the record holder at the age of 115 years and 346 days as of June 17, according to Guinness.

On Tuesday, the birthday girl, Miss Susie, wore white as she made her grand entrance into the Vandalia Senior Center, filled with family, friends and it seemed like half of Brooklyn. All were excited to wish her a happy 116th birthday.

Miss Susie, as she's called, was a woman of few words Tuesday, apparently preferring to take all the hoopla in stride.

Just a few days ago, Guinness World Records presented her a certificate confirming she's the oldest person in the world.

According to Guinness, Jones was born Susie Mushatt in Lowndes County, Alabama, to Mary and Callie Mushatt. Her father was a sharecropper who picked cotton to support his wife and 10 children. In 1922, Jones left Alabama for New Jersey before moving to New York City in 1923, finding employment as a live-in housekeeper and childcare provider.

"Your family's proud of you, your community is proud of you, and I'm here today as a member of the United States Congress to say that your country is proud of you as well," said Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, (D) New York.

And the gifts just kept on coming: personalized cards, flowers, even a Nets jersey.

Everyone was flipping for Miss Susie.

Now, it wouldn't be a birthday party without a birthday cake. Miss Susie's was topped with two of her favorite things: barbeque chicken and bacon. Made of icing, of course.

Though she's no longer able to see and is hard of hearing, family members say they've no doubt she appreciated the outpouring of love.

"She often wonders why has He kept me here this long. And we say to her, it's for us, not only her family but the world," said Lecettie Simpson, Miss Susie's niece.

Even relatives are wondering if longevity runs in the family.

"It's hard to believe me being able to live another 80 years, but we'll see," said Chandra Simpson, Miss Susie's grandniece.

Jones, known as "T," short for auntie, to her 100 nieces and nephews, said the secret to longevity is sleep, Guinness reports. She only takes two medications a day and is not bed-bound. She also starts her day with a good breakfast featuring four strips of bacon.

When Jones was 106, The New York City Housing Authority paid tribute to her regular participation in community patrols. Former city mayor Michael Bloomberg congratulated her on her longevity and wished her "good health and great happiness."

At the time, Jones told the Housing Authority she never drinks or smokes, and surrounds herself with love and positive energy.

"That's the key to long life and happiness," she said.

The oldest person to have ever lived is Jeanne Calment of France, who lived to 122 years and 164 days.