Guinness World Records holder for oldest woman dies at 116

Washington, Dec 5: Not many have the luck to celebrate their 116th birthday and become a part of Guinness

Record.

Besse Cooper had the distinction of being honoured by Guinness World Record, as world's

person, before she died at the age of 116. Besse Cooper died on Tuesday, Dec 4 at the age of 116,

reported.

She passed away in Monroe, Georgia, east of Atlanta, her son Sidney told the television network. Cooper "had a long, good life. She went very easy," he said. Guinness World Records gave Cooper the distinction of being the oldest living human in Jan 2011. She was born on Aug 26, 1896 in Tennessee.

"It's a sad day for me," said Robert Young, Guinness senior consultant for gerontology. He recalls meeting Cooper when she was 111 and took note of her mental agility.

"At that age she was doing really well, she was able to read books," he said. Regrading the secret of her longevity, Cooper said, "I mind my own business and I don't eat junk food."

She married her husband Luther in 1924 and they had four children. As of her 114th birthday, Cooper has 12 grandchildren and more than a dozen great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Cooper was a part of many historical events. In the same year Cooper was born, the first Dow Jones Industrial Average was published, the first modern Olympic games were held and the first Ford vehicle was built.

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