Oldest known living American dies at 114

The oldest known living American has died at 114 in New York.

Alelia Murphy, a former seamstress and native New Yorker, died Saturday, her granddaughter Nefer Nekhet confirmed to CNN. The cause of her death was not immediately available. 

The health care workers’ union 1199SEIU, where Murphy’s daughter was a member, put out a statement commemorating her.

“It is with great sadness that we share news of the passing of Mrs. Alelia Murphy,” the post said. “Mrs. Murphy was the oldest living American, having celebrated her 114th birthday in July, surrounded by her family, friends, community leaders, and members of our AFRAM Caucus.”

The Gerontology Research Group confirmed that Murphy lived for 114 years and 140 days. Hester Ford of North Carolina is now the oldest person in the U.S. at 114 years and 105 days, according to the group’s website. The oldest person in the world is Kane Tanaka of Japan, who is 116 years old and 330 days. 

Murphy was born in North Carolina and moved to New York during the Harlem Renaissance in 1926, according to CBS News.

Harlem officials designated her birthday, July 6, as “Alelia Murphy Appreciation Day” this year, CNN reported.