Hazel Penniman Luther, 113; Called 9th-Oldest in World
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Hazel Penniman Luther, 113, who had been one of the world’s oldest people, died Friday in Daytona Beach, Fla., after developing a cold and fever.
Born Dec. 11, 1889, Luther was the world’s ninth-oldest person, according to the Gerontology Research Group. She was the fifth-oldest American and the second-oldest Floridian; John McMorran of Lakeland was born 175 days before her.
At her 113th birthday party in December, Luther was asked if she wanted to live forever. “I think I already have,” she said.
Luther attended Juilliard School of Music, then known as the Institute of Musical Art, and earned two diplomas in singing. She performed classical music and taught voice.
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