LONDON, Nov 15 — Britain's oldest resident died yesterday just a few weeks short of her 114th birthday, her local member of parliament said.

Grace Jones was born on December 7, 1899, in Bermondsey in south London, and lived there most of her life.

The seamstress was once engaged but her fiancé was killed in World War I and she never married anyone else, according to a statement issued by MP Simon Hughes.

After all her close relatives died, Jones spent the past 12 years living on her own in social housing until she had a fall and moved to a nursing home a few weeks ago.

“We are all very sad today but we pay tribute to Grace for her wonderful, vibrant and long life,” said the statement.

“Although she found her failing strength frustrating, right up until her last week Grace's memory and intellect were undimmed.” — AFP