World oldest woman marks birthday Updated: 03:46, Wednesday April 8, 2009
The world's oldest person, Gertrude Baines marked her 115th birthday at her home at Western Convalescent Hospital near downtown Los Angeles.
Baines seemed to enjoy the celebration that included music, cake and a letter from U.S. President Barack Obama.
She also received a proclamation from the Guinness Book of World Records officially recognizing her title as the world's oldest person.
Born in 1894 in Shellman, Ga., Baines is literally a living history book. To put things into perspective, Baines witnessed the invention of the automobile, the age of flight and was an 18-years-old teenager when the Titanic sank.
The 115-year-old says she owes her longevity to the Lord, that she never did drink, she never did smoke and she never did fool around.
Her father was the son of slaves, and Baines has outlived her entire family. Her only daughter died of typhoid fever when she was a toddler.
'She is now No. 1, as far as the oldest person in the world,' explained Los Angeles City Councilman, Bernard Parks. 'It is quite an achievement, 115-years-old. All of us should hope to reach that plateau, in light of the great health that she currently has.'
Baines was featured on local television newscasts in November when she cast her ballot for Barack Obama for president, saying she backed him 'because he's for the colored.' She said she never thought she would live to see a black man become president.
Baines received a letter from Obama today, wishing her a happy birthday.
Baines has said she plans to vote for Obama again in 2012.
Baines' ascension to the top spot came after the death of a Portuguese woman, Maria de Jesus, who was also 115.