Besse Cooper (née Brown; 26 August 1896 – 4 December 2012) was a validated American supercentenarian who was the world's oldest living person from 21 June 2011 to her death. After the death of Maria Gomes Valentim on 21 June 2011, Cooper became recognized as the world's oldest living person. On 26 August 2012, Cooper celebrated her 116th birthday. She died on 4 December 2012, at the age of 116 years, 100 days.