Walking this earth for 119 years, Rebecca Lanier has lived to see the turn of two centuries, thousands of inventions, world wars, The Great Depression as well as The Great Recession, Black people acquire the right vote in addition to other civil amenities, the deaths of some of our greatest leaders, and the inauguration of 11 U.S. presidents including the first African-American family in the White House.

By RHONDA CROWDER

Staff Reporter

Walking this earth for 119 years, Rebecca Lanier has lived to see the turn of two centuries, thousands of inventions, world wars, The Great Depression as well as The Great Recession, Black people acquire the right vote in addition to other civil amenities, the deaths of some of our greatest leaders, and the inauguration of 11 U.S. presidents including the first African-American family in the White House.

Over the last week, she’s seen her own story make headlines across the city and throughout the world. Her celebrated milestone comes with a little controversy concerning Guinness Book of World Records confirming her as the oldest living person.

Guinness lists a 114 year-old woman in Georgia as the oldest, because Lanier has no birth certificate, a required proof of age for Guinness, but she does have a Social Security letter. The Guinness investigation into the U.S. Census also suggests her to be younger.

Regardless of what Guinness will or won’t do, we at The Call and Post Newspaper will recognize her feat and continue to celebrate her life as we’ve done for several years now.

According to Lanier’s family, she was born in West Point, Mississippi on March 24, 1892 to Elijah Shamblin and Tempie Richardson. At an early age, she moved to Eutaw, Alabama, where she accepted Christ and was baptized at the Salem Baptist Church.

There, as a young woman, she married Jim Lanier.

They had two daughters Beatrice and Aline. Both have passed away.

The daughters gave Lanier seven grandchildren. In turn, they’ve produced her 15 great grandchildren, 18 great-great grandchildren, and 4 great-great-great grandchildren.

Lanier moved to Cleveland after her daughter died in 2004. She lives in Warrenville Heights with her grandson, Jimmie Shambley and his wife Rebecca.

These days, Lanier still hears very well and even travels with family from time to time. She wakes up every morning, makes her own bed and eats breakfast before going to Menorah Park Adult Day Care. She also attends Warrensville Heights Senior Center about twice a month, where she takes Tai Chi.

Both places hosted a birthday party for Lanier last week.

When asked what has contributed to her longevity, her grandson said, “We have no answer. All we know is that we are grateful to God and praise his holy name for our Queen, our ‘Mama.’”