Jeralean Talley

Jeralean Talley (née Kurtz) (born May 23, 1899) is an American supercentenarian who is the oldest living person in the world, and the oldest verified living American, having assumed the title upon the death of 113-year-old Elsie Thompson on March 21, 2013. However on July 4, 2014 it was proven wrong, Gertrude Weaver was confirmed to be older, she became the oldest living american after Gertrude Weaver's death.

Biography
Jeralean Kurtz was born on May 23, 1899 in Montrose, Georgia. She had 11 siblings. She spent her early life living on a farm, picking cotton and peanuts, and digging sweet potatoes out of the ground. In 1935, she moved to Inkster, Michigan, where she has resided ever since. In 1936, she married Alfred Talley (1893–1988). Together, they had one child, a daughter named Thelma Holloway, who was born in 1937. Jeralean and Alfred remained married for 52 years until he died on October 17, 1988, at the age of 95.

She never drove a car in her life. She has stated that this is because she attempted to do so once, but ended up pushing the wrong pedal, causing the car to go in reverse instead of moving forward. She has refused to try driving again since then.

Later Life
Her daughter Thelma has stated that Jeralean has remained active in her later life by making quilts, sewing dresses, and playing the slot machines at casinos. She bowled until she was 104 years old, when her legs got too weak, but she still goes on annual fishing trips with her friend Michael Kinloch and his son, Tyler (who is also her godson). In May 2013, when she was 114 years old, she caught 7 catfish. She has three grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren.

Talley is a devout Christian, and is a member of the New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church, the members of whom affectionately refer to her as "Mother Talley". In May 2013, they celebrated her 114th birthday with a service and a meal, as well as officially naming the church's driveway after her. Talley also received a personalized letter from President Barack Obama, who congratulated her for being "part of an extraordinary generation".

Talley lives by the motto: "Treat others the way you want to be treated". Known in the community for her wisdom and wit, she has occasionally been asked for advice. She has previously advised people to use common sense, saying, "I don't have much education, but what little sense I got, I try to use it".