She was the second-oldest American and the third oldest in the entire world:
Although Mrs. Ewings lived alone for many years in their home on Bradshaw Street, eight generations of her family kept a watchful eye on her.
"We try to go by and keep her spirits up and encourage her and thank her for the life and legacy for the lifestyle she lived before us all," her great-great-great-grandnephew, Terrance Perkins, said at the time of her 112th birthday two years ago.
"She's a diamond to this family," he said. "She's a precious jewel that we have to cherish and try to keep polished."
Mrs. Ewings took pride in being able to care for herself and her home well after she turned 100.
"She was absolutely meticulous about everything: her home, her clothes, her yard," said Ken Smith, a longtime South Dallas neighbor. "Dirt just could not light anywhere near her. It wasn't allowed."
She was known for the gardenias she kept in her front yard, the juicy hamburgers she served up from the grill and her sense of humor. As members of the family passed away, she would simply shrug and say, "It was time," Mrs. Williams said.
She has a sister who is 103.
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On the other end of the spectrum, an infant born with a fatal genetic defect and died after a few days is remembered on this blog and in an report from the Virginian- Pilot.
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