Naomi Whitehead

About

Supercentenarian known for becoming the oldest living person in the United States in October 2024 and before becoming one of the oldest living people in the world. She is especially known for her extraordinary longevity and has been validated by major longevity organizations such as the Gerontology Research Group. She became a supercentenarian in 2020 and reached age 115 in September 2025 before she became the second older person in the world in February 2026.

Before fame

She lived most of her life outside of the public spotlight raising her children and working within her community. Her life remained largely private until she reached extreme old age and was recognized as one of the oldest living people in the United States. She officially became a supercentenarian in 2020 when she turned 110 years old. She became the oldest living person in the United States in October 2024 and then became the second-oldest living person in the world in February 2026 after Marie-Rose Tessier passed away.

Trivia

She has never smoked or drank alcohol and credits her longevity to her faith. She has lived through major historical events such as World War I, World War II, the Civil Rights Movement, and the rise of modern technology.

Family life

She was born Naomi Washington. She was born and raised in rural Georgia and grew up on a farm in Pierce County. She spent her childhood helping her family pick cotton and tobacco. She was raised by her parents Douglas and Pauline Washington and grew up with many siblings in a large household. She married Sylvester Whitehead in 1930 and began building a family. Her husband passed away in 1979. She had three sons named Sylvester Jr., Parrish L., and Elbert T. all of whom have passed away before her.

Associated with

She became the oldest living American after Elizabeth Francis passed away in 2024. She and Ethel Caterham became among the oldest verified living people in the world in 2026.