Durham woman celebrates 111th birthday

WITN reports Oct. 9 marked the birthday of a Durham woman who has outlived most North Carolinians and is still going strong.

Catherine Ferrell celebrated her 111th birthday Monday alongside many friends and family at the First Baptist Church in Warsaw, NC.

Ferrell might be 111 years old, but don’t let that fool you. She is still a vibrant and thoughtful woman who is not only a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother, but is also a sister, aunt and devout Baptist.

“You can love everybody; you don’t have to live with everybody, and that’s been my motto. If you mistreat me, I am not going to mistreat you back. Put you in the hands of the good Lord and keep on moving and enjoy life, that’s right,” Ferrell said.

Ferrell’s story of being a super-centenarian, or being more than 110 years old, is nothing new to her family and friends, but for the rest of us, she is a testament to living well.

According to research, of those that live to 100, only 1 in 1,000 surpass 110.

Ferrell’s life has spanned the most remarkable world achievements, including the many challenges and conditions of American History in the 20th century.

From prohibition to the creation of televisions, from telephones to cellphones, conflicts and wars to segregation and discrimination, Ferrell has managed to uphold a positive and loving spirit, a testament to her faith and love of family.

“So, everything that I have seen and learned from her about this day is that her character, her morals, her values, her beliefs, it has really shown to be true,” Ferrell’s grandson, Jejuan Taylor, said.

Ferrell’s life is full of memories, love and loss, but her allegiance to the church, enjoying good food, and staying true to her heart have always been her principles for a good and very long life.

“I love everybody. I may not love what they do, but I love everybody,” Ferrell said.

Happy birthday Catherine! And many, many more.