DURHAM, N.C. — Catherine Spearman Ferrell, born October 10, 1912, in Warsaw, North Carolina, celebrated her 113th birthday this month, continuing a life that stands as a testament to faith, education, and perseverance. Recognized as the oldest known living resident of North Carolina, Mrs. Ferrell was honored at a family dinner on October 12 at Elizabeth Street United Methodist Church in Durham — a gathering that reflected more than a century of love and legacy.

Rooted in Faith and Family

Raised by her mother, Callie Spearman, Catherine learned early that faith and education were the foundation of life. Her mother, who had only completed third grade, taught her daughters to pray every morning and night, a ritual that Mrs. Ferrell has continued for more than a century.

She graduated valedictorian from Douglas High School in 1931 and played on the girls’ basketball team. In those early years, she began a lifelong relationship with First Baptist Church of Warsaw, where she rang the church bell each Sunday to call the community to worship.

After moving to Durham, Catherine married Maynard Ferrell Sr., and together they became a cornerstone couple in the East End community. The two operated a small neighborhood store that served not only as a business but also as a bus stop for local children — a daily act of service that reflected their shared values of care and community.

They raised four children: Maynard Ferrell Jr., Margaret Smith, David Ferrell, and Shirley Ferrell. Even while managing family and business, Catherine ensured that faith remained central to their home. Every day began and ended with prayer, a tradition her children carried into their own families.

Her husband, now deceased, is remembered for his partnership in her lifelong ministry of service. Their shared devotion to God, education, and family shaped generations that followed — the very legacy celebrated at her 113th birthday dinner.

A Teacher at Heart

Although she once dreamed of becoming a classroom teacher, finances made college out of reach. Undeterred, Mrs. Ferrell became an educator in spirit — teaching her children and neighborhood youngsters before they entered school, and later leading Sunday School classes for decades.

In Durham’s East End community, she helped form The Lamplighter’s Club, advocating successfully for bus service, street lights, and a public park. Her influence extended to classrooms across Durham as she spoke to students about the value of education, faith, and service.

A Life of Service

A devoted member of Mt. Gilead Baptist Church, Mrs. Ferrell has served as Missionary President of the Adult Department, director of the Baptist Training Union, chairperson of the Senior Citizens Ministry, and supporter of the Mt. Gilead Scholarship Fund. Her community involvement includes membership in the National Council of Negro Women, AARP, and the Elks, where she rose to the position of Daughter Ruler.

Through every chapter, she has remained rooted in her belief that “God is not through with me yet.”

Faith in Action — and in Flight

At age 100, Mrs. Ferrell boarded a plane for the first time, traveling with Mt. Gilead to Israel. Twelve years later, she took her second flight — a ten-day family trip to Hawaii at age 112.

Today, she embraces technology with the same curiosity that once fueled her studies by firelight. She uses her computer to attend virtual worship services and community meetings, calling modern technology “a blessing from God.”

Generations of Grace

This year’s celebration was especially meaningful: her granddaughter Michelle Beatty (born Oct. 10, 1961) and her great-great-granddaughter Jekeya Jones (born Oct. 10, 2018) share Mrs. Ferrell’s birthday. A great-nephew, Lee Wiggins, was also born on October 10.

“We see her as our family’s living prayer,” said Shirley Ferrell. “She is the reminder that God’s promises endure.”

A Legacy That Inspires

Asked about the secret to longevity, she smiles and says, > “The real secret is that God still has something for me to do.”

Her advice for younger generations is simple and timeless:

“Believe and trust in God. Pray. Get an education. Do your best. And love everybody — even if you don’t live with them.”

Through 113 years of faith, family, and service, Catherine Spearman Ferrell continues to shine as a living example of grace and purpose for North Carolina and beyond.