At 116 years of age, Besse Cooper's life bridges the 19th
century and the 21st century.
So it's fitting that the woman recognized as the world's oldest
living person has had a bridge named after her.
Cooper turned 116 on August 26 in her home town of Monroe, Ga.,
and one of her gifts was a bridge named after her by the city
leaders.
She didn't attend the ceremony, but sent a message through her
son, Sidney: "I'm glad I gave them a reason to name it," the
Walton Tribune reported.
Cooper was first recognized as the world's oldest living person
by Guiness World Records in January 2011, but had to give up
the title a few months later when officials discovered that
Brazilian-born Maria Gomes Valentim was 48 days older.
However, Valentim died on June 21, 2011, and Cooper was
reinstated and has held that title ever since.
She is one of only eight people -- and four Americans -- who
have been confirmed to be at least 116.
Born in 1896 in Tennessee, Cooper, who worked as a teacher,
married her husband Luther in 1924, and they had four children.
Today, she has 12 grandchildren and more than a dozen
great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.
Her secret to longevity: "I mind my own business," Cooper said.
"And I don't eat junk food."
