Life history methods were used to explore the literate identity of one African American woman, Orlonia, who lives and works in a small rural community in the southeastern United States. Specifically, the authors explore how Orlonia's literate identity is constantly developing throughout her life, taking place in frames of biography and history. The authors suggest "literacy-in-persons" as a mechanism for understanding Orlonia's literate self. Finally, the authors pose implications of "literacy-in-persons" for teachers of adolescent and adult learners, suggesting practitioners inquire into the biographical and historical aspects of their students and their own literacy practices. (Contains 3 tables.)