Shelbyville - Local dignitaries, including the world's tallest woman, turned out for a birthday party in Shelbyville for the oldest person in America.
Edna Parker celebrated her 114th birthday at the Heritage House Convalescent Center, where she lives.
Mrs. Parker got special recognition from Governor Mitch Daniels and the FSSA Division of Aging and Shelbyville's mayor presented her with a key to the city. The world's tallest woman, Sandy Allen, who also lives at Heritage House, also came to wish Mrs. Parker a happy birthday.
"When she turned 100 we threw a big birthday party because she's 100, and we decided when she got to be 101 we'd have another one, and here we are 14 years later and we are still having birthday parties for her," said Don Parker, grandson.
Heritage House released 114 balloons on the lawn, one for each year of Mrs. Parker's life.
Mrs. Parker was born April 20, 1893, in Morgan County. She graduated from Franklin College with a teaching degree and taught in a one-room school house for many years. She outlived her children but has five surviving grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, and seven great-great grandchildren.
Earlier this week, Parker said she's lived so long, she probably knew George Washington.
Parker became the second oldest person in the world in January, according to the California-based Gerontology Research Group. She also is the oldest living American. A Japanese woman turned 114 on January fourth.
