World's Oldest Woman Dies At 115 In Indiana

December 1, 2008 9:28 a.m. EST

Edna Parker, of Indiana, died in a nursing home this week. She was recognized as the world's oldest person at the age of 115.

Parker outlived her two sons, and had 31 other descendants. Parker, according to reports, lived an active life and had lived alone in her farmhouse from the age of 48, when she became a widow, until she was 100.

Parker's husband, Earl, passed away in 1939 from a heart attack.

Parker graduated from the state's Franklin College in 1911 and taught in a two-room school for several years. Parker credited education and the pursuit thereof for her long life.

According to the Gerontology Research Group, Maria de Jesus of Portugal, born in 1893, is now the world's oldest person.