HARTFORD, Connecticut: The woman who marked her 114th birthday last fall by crediting God for her longevity has become the world's oldest known person.
Emma Faust Tillman, born in 1892 to former slaves, earned the distinction Wednesday after the death of 115-year-old Emiliano Mercado del Toro at his home in Puerto Rico.
Tillman had been the world's third-oldest person until 115-year-old Julie Winnifred Bertrand of Canada died in her sleep last week.
With del Toro's death, Tillman became the world's oldest validated "supercentenarian" in records maintained by the Gerontology Research Group and other organizations.
Tillman's great-nephew, John B. Stewart, has said she never smoked, never drank, did not need glasses and agreed to wear a hearing aid only reluctantly.
Tillman, one of 23 children, graduated in 1909 as the only black student in her high school and later worked as a cook, maid, party caterer and caretaker for children of several wealthy families.
One of Tillman's brothers lived to be 108, while one sister lived to 105 and two others lived to 102.
Stewart said last week, "You can tell she's tired now, but at 114, we're blessed and she's blessed."