Canton, Michigan – July 8, 2025 — Bonita Gibson, a remarkable centenarian from Canton, Michigan, recently celebrated her 114th birthday on July 4, marking yet another milestone in a life that has spanned over a century of history, challenges, and joy. Born in 1911, Gibson’s birthday celebration coincided with America’s Independence Day, making the occasion doubly meaningful.
In an interview with People magazine, Gibson revealed her secret to longevity: a lifelong love of potatoes, a positive outlook on life, and the power of a smile.
“I’ve been eating potatoes for over 100 years,” Gibson shared. Her fondness for the humble spud began in 1930 when she married her husband, Kenneth Richard, who worked in the potato industry. Even after Kenneth passed away in 2003, Gibson continued to enjoy potatoes as a staple in her diet.
But her secrets to a long life don’t stop at her plate. Gibson emphasized the importance of optimism and happiness. “Keep smiling,” she said. “That’s what keeps me going.”
Despite a frail childhood marked by bouts of mumps, measles, and whooping cough, Gibson has displayed extraordinary resilience throughout her life. At age 109, she even survived COVID-19, defying the odds and cementing her place among the oldest living Americans—second only to 115-year-old Ethel Caterham at the time of reporting.
Her family fondly recalls her vibrant spirit and adventurous nature. She drove until the age of 99, flew on an airplane for the first time at 100, and made her first visit to a casino at 102. These days, her favorite pastime is reading with her 88-year-old son every evening.
Gibson’s legacy spans five generations. She is the proud matriarch of a growing family that includes three grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and sixteen great-great-grandchildren.
As she continues to defy age and inspire others, Bonita Gibson’s life story is a testament to resilience, joy, and the simple pleasures that make life worth celebrating—one smile, and one potato, at a time.
