World's Oldest Person Celebrates 116th Birthday in Michigan

Last month, Jeralean Talley was named the oldest person in the world.

ByABC News
May 23, 2015, 1:05 PM
World's oldest person Jeralean Talley attends the 17th Annual Ford Freedom Awards at Max Fischer Music Center on May 5, 2015 in Detroit.
World's oldest person Jeralean Talley attends the 17th Annual Ford Freedom Awards at Max Fischer Music Center on May 5, 2015 in Detroit.
Monica Morgan/Getty Images

— -- The world's oldest person, Jeralean Talley, turned 116 today in Inkster, Michigan.

Talley -- who was born in 1899 -- was named the oldest living person in the world last month, according to ABC affiliate WXYZ-TV in Detroit.

Talley's birthday celebrations began earlier this week when she was honored at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the Detroit Free Press reported. She also received a special birthday message from President Obama, according to the newspaper.

The parties continue this weekend, according to the Free Press: Talley had a celebration planned today in Inkster and another one Sunday at her church.

So what is Talley's secret to a very long and healthy life? Last month she told WXYZ-TV she drinks coffee every day with sugar and no cream.

On her 115th birthday, she told WXYZ-TV she thanks God for her health.

"A long time ago, I asked the good Lord, when you get ready to take me home. ... I don't want to be sick," Talley said. "So far I don't suffer so much."