Naomi Whitehead

Naomi Washington Whitehead ( Washington; born September 26, 1910) is an American supercentenarian who has been the oldest living person in the United States, currently at the age of , since the death of Elizabeth Francis on October 22, 2024, and the world's second oldest living person since the death of Marie-Rose Tessier on February 10, 2026.

Biography Naomi Washington was born on September 26, 1910 of African American descent in rural Georgia to Douglas and Pauline (née Young) Washington, where she grew up on a farm picking cotton and tobacco. She lived in Patterson, Georgia, in her youth with her older siblings Douglas Jr., Clarence, Ellen, and Viola.

Whitehead, in her adult years, moved to West Salem in Mercer County, part of Greater Pittsburgh. She didn't move into assisted living until 2011, when she was 100 years old. She has stated that she never smoked or drank alcohol. She told reporters, "I'll live as long as the Lord lets me." Several of her grandchildren acredit her long life to her belief in God.

Personal life In 1930, Washington married Sylvester Whitehead (1908–1979). They had three sons: Parrish L. (1933–2011), and Elbert T. (1935–2006).