Oldest Living American Celebrated 115th Birthday

The oldest-living American has celebrated her 115th birthday - and credits her longevity to her faith.

Jeralean Talley, of Michigan, came into the world on May 23, 1899, making her one of the few living people to have been born in the 19th century.

She celebrated on Friday as the second-oldest person in the world, according to the Gerontology Research Group, which keeps a list of the world's longest-living people.

Ms Talley watches her 14-month-old great-great-grandson Armmell Holloway

Ms Talley, who still gets around on her own with the help of a walking frame, plans to celebrate again with family and friends at a local church on Sunday.             

The widow, whose husband died in 1988, is cared for by a 76-year-old daughter who lives with her.  "It's all in the good Lord's hands," Ms Talley told the Detroit Free Press of her long life. "There's nothing I can do about it."

Japan resident Misao Okawa, 116, is the world's oldest person, according to the Gerontology Research Group.