LongeviQuest recently reviewed the case of Fannie Thomas of the United States – a previously validated supercentenarian who was the second-oldest living person and the second-oldest documented person on record (previously believed to have been the oldest person ever). She was born in Denver, Hancock County, Illinois, United States on 24 April 1867 and passed away in San Gabriel, Los Angeles County, California, USA, on 22 January 1981.
On her 100th birthday in 1967.
(Source: Find A Grave)
On 17 November 1980, at the age of 113 years, 207 days, she surpassed the final age of Mary Kelly (1851–1964), becoming the oldest person to ever live in the U.S. state of California, as well as the third-oldest person ever, behind Underwood (who was still living at the time), and Delina Filkins. On 25 November, she surpassed Filkins’ final age, becoming the second-oldest person ever. She held the title of California’s longevity record holder until 7 April 1996, when her final age was surpassed by Miriam Carpelan.
Fannie Thomas’s age was recognized by the Guinness Book of Records during her life, and the validation was later recognized by the Gerontology Research Group. However, the GRG validated her date of birth as 14 April 1867, contrary to the claimed date of birth of 24 April 1867. In November 2023, following a thorough review of documentation uncovered by Jimmy Lindberg, the Global Validation Commission reached the conclusion that Thomas’ claimed date of birth was accurate.
For more information about her life and previous validation, please view Fannie Thomas’s Directory Profile here.
