News Summary
Elvira Helaire-Davis, a resident of Shreveport, recently celebrated her 110th birthday, making her one of Louisiana’s oldest citizens. Born to former slaves, she has created a large family with 14 children, 30 grandchildren, and 46 great-grandchildren. Although she celebrated from her room, her presence was felt as family and community members gathered outside to honor her impactful life and legacy. Officials acknowledged her contributions to the community with proclamations, and the street where she lives was named in her honor when she turned 100, symbolizing her strength and resilience.
Shreveport, Louisiana – Elvira Helaire-Davis, a resident of Shreveport, celebrated her remarkable 110th birthday on July 21. Widely recognized as one of the oldest living citizens in Louisiana, she is also distinguished as the oldest resident in the Martin Luther King Jr. area of Shreveport.
Davis was born as one of eight children to former slaves and sharecroppers. Throughout her life, she has built a large family, which now includes 14 children, 30 grandchildren, and an impressive 46 great-grandchildren. On this special occasion, seven of her children were present, but Davis did not make an official appearance for the birthday festivities. Instead, she participated from her room, where she could listen to the birthday song and comprehend the joyful atmosphere surrounding her.
Even though Davis was unable to greet the crowd personally, her family described how she communicated through her eyes and offered smiles to express her gratitude as she was wished a happy birthday. This connection with her loved ones exemplified the deep affection her family holds for her and the significant role she plays in their lives.
Among her many cherished memories, Davis holds a special place in her heart for the personal greetings she received from former President Barack Obama, who wished her a happy birthday on two occasions. Living through a century of immense change, she has witnessed pivotal historical moments, including the election of Barack Obama and the appointment of Ronnie Whitten as Natchitoches’ first African American mayor.
The birthday celebration for Davis was not just a family gathering, but also a community event, filled with joy and reflection. Proclamations were presented from federal, state, parish, and city officials acknowledging her remarkable life and contributions to the local community. Community members gathered outside her home, offering well wishes and sharing in the celebrations, creating an atmosphere of appreciation and respect.
In recognition of her significant impact on the community, the street where Davis resides was named in her honor when she turned 100. This gesture serves as a lasting tribute to her legacy within Shreveport and a symbol of the strength and resilience found in its oldest citizens.
Her life journey illustrates not only personal achievements but also the collective history of African American families in the region. As she celebrated this milestone, the gathering was infused with gratitude for her long and impactful life, leaving many reflecting on the values she represents.
Elvira Helaire-Davis’s 110 years are a testament to the strength and perseverance of an individual who has seen a world transformed. As one of the matriarchs of her family and community, her legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations in Shreveport and beyond.
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Additional Resources
- KSLA: One of Louisiana’s Oldest Citizens Turns 110 Years Old
- Wikipedia: Elvira Helaire-Davis
- KTBS: Shreveport Woman Celebrates 110 Remarkable Years
- Google Search: Elvira Helaire-Davis
- WV News: Shreveport Woman Celebrates 110 Remarkable Years
- Google Scholar: Elvira Helaire-Davis
- WLBT: Olive Branch Woman Celebrates 110th Birthday
- Encyclopedia Britannica: History of Shreveport
- KSLA: Shreveport-Bossier City Hold Celebrations for Army’s 250th Birthday
- Google News: Shreveport Louisiana
Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER
The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
