Elma Corning

Elma Grace Corning (née Tennis; 22 February 1892 – 12 July 2004) was an American supercentenarian whose age is validated by the Gerontology Research Group (GRG). She was the oldest known person in the state of California at the time of her death.

Biography
Elma Corning was born Elma Grace Tennis in Iowa on 22 February 1892 to Addison and Jessie Tennis. She had one brother two years her junior, who died aged 70. Her mother lived to be 87 years old, while her father, a farmer and World War I pilot, died after a severe bout of arthritis aged just 48.

After graduating in 1912, Corning later married and had a son, Russell. Corning worked as a teacher until moving to Los Angeles in 1921, where she worked as a housekeeper. She served as an Officer in the Congregational Church since 1935 and was President of their Woman's Association. Her husband died in 1956. Corning never smoked nor drank during her life, and her secret to a long life was "to work hard and have a great desire to accomplish something."

Corning passed away in Los Angeles, California on 12 July 2004 at the age of 112 years, 141 days. She was survived by her son Russell and daughter-in-law Mardel.