The Oldest Person in South Jersey Dies at 111

Helen Turner, who was believed to be the oldest person in South Jersey, and possibly in New Jersey, died Thursday at 111 years old.

Turner was born on April 1, 1907, and was married to Arthur Turner for 47 years. The Linwood resident was a teacher in Margate for 40 years, after starting her teaching career in a one-room Maryland school house, according to her obituary.

The Press of Atlantic City sites several examples of her feisty personality, even in her later life, including starting a online campaign to dance on the "Ellen" show at 110 years old to going for a ride in a 1919 Model T Ford on her 110th birthday.

In an interview with the Press of Atlantic City last year, Helen credited her long life to clean living.

“I was born and raised on a farm, I think that maybe had something to do with it, and maybe my parents had good genes. That’s what my doctor says. I never smoked. I would take an occasional drink, but not very often. I eat the things that are good for me.

SOURCES: Press of Atlantic City, Helen Turner obituary