Ms. Mary (Petrillose) Harris - of Signal Mountain, Hamilton County, Tennessee, United States - turned 114 years old today.

She was born on 13 May 1911.

She is the Vice-Doyenne of the USA.

https://newschannel9.com/news/local/arc-chattanooga/imagine-that-tennessees-oldest-resident-from-signal-mountain-turns-114

Happy 114th birthday!

Signal Mountain woman, Tennessee's oldest resident, adds 114th candle to birthday cake

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — She's currently the oldest Tennesseean, and the second oldest person in the United States.

And Mary Harris of Signal Mountain is celebrating her 114th birthday on Tuesday.

Mary Harris points to her six brothers. Photo: WTVC

Mary Harris now lives at an assisted living facility on Signal Mountain.

She has lived through two global pandemics and two world wars.

Harris was born in 1911, but for her, she says she feels young.

She grew up in Ithaca, New York, on South Meadow Street.

While in Ithaca, she met her husband Richard when they were both working at her brother's dry cleaning business.

Mary Harris' husband, Richard Harris.

They then opened up their own dry cleaning business and a 500-acre dairy farm.

I did, never went in the barn, never, never, said Harris.

Harris was in charge of the books at the farm, but stayed far away from the cows.

Too dirty, said Harris.

Mary and Richard had two daughters, who are now 81 and 86.

Richard died at 90 years old, after 66 years of marriage.

We had a good relationship, Harris said.

Harris enjoyed making porcelain art by hand, along with painting.

Porcelain made by Mary Harris.

She says staying busy is the secret to life.

I think that's what kept me alive.

Along with living a stress-free life.

I didn't pay attention to, I said, let them go and do what they want. I think that's why I live though, said Harris.

Harris has five grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild on the way.