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Just Another Birthday For Inkster Woman -- Her 116th

INKSTER (WWJ/AP) - A metro Detroit woman -- recognized as the world's oldest person -- is now 116-years-old.

Jeralean Talley of Inkster is celebrating her birthday Saturday, but she doesn't have a formula for longevity.

"There's nothing I can do about it," she said ahead of her birthday weekend, crediting God for her long life.

Talley will celebrate her birthday twice, including a Sunday party at her church, New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist. The Gerontology Research Group considers her to be the oldest person in the world, based on available records, followed by Susannah Jones of Brooklyn, New York, who turns 116 in July.

"You're more likely to the win the lottery than to reach this age," Robert Young, of Gerontology Research, told the Detroit Free Press.

Talley has always lived an active lifestyle. She bowled until she was 104 and still likes to catch fish. Thelma Holloway, Talley's only child, said  her mother still has a sharp mind.

"Her No. 1 rule is to treat people how you want to be treated," said godson Tyler Kinloch, 21, who fishes with her. "I definitely carry that with me every single day."

She was born in Montrose, Georgia, in 1899 and moved to Michigan in the 1930s. Talley, whose husband died in 1988, is cared for by her 77-year-old daughter who lives with her. Five generations of her family live in the metro Detroit area, including a great-great-grandson.

Talley received $116 - a dollar for every year - at an event Thursday at a local office of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. The attendees included U.S. Rep. John Conyers. The Democrat is the longest-serving member in the House, but even at 86 he's three decades younger than Talley, who lives in his district.

"I thank you very, very, very, very much," Talley told the crowd.

In 2013, her 114th birthday drew the attention of President Barack Obama, who said in a personal note that she's "part of an extraordinary generation."

TM and © Copyright 2015 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2015 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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