Oldest living woman in North Carolina, Catherine Ferrell, turns 113

The Gerontology Research Group is delighted to report that Mrs. Catherine Ferrell – the oldest living person in the US state of North Carolina – has celebrated her 113th birthday.

Catherine Ferrell was born in Warsaw, North Carolina, USA on 10 October 1912. Her mother’s name was Callie Spearman and she had one sister, Mary. She graduated from Frederick Douglass High School in 1931 as valedictorian of her class. She also played on the school’s basketball team.

Ferrell’s mother instilled the importance of getting an education and she also made sure that both of her daughters attended Sunday school every Sunday. Ferrell aspired to be a teacher, but did not have the resources to attend college. She used her love of teaching by teaching Sunday school for most of her life.

In November 2016, Ferrell voted during the United States presidential election. In November 2018, she voted during the United States House of Representatives elections in North Carolina.

Ferrell has a strong faith in God and attributes her long life to God’s grace. On her 110th birthday in 2022, she received birthday wishes from President Joe Biden and North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper.

On 25 October 2022, following the passing of 110-year-old Virginia Van Peenen, she became the oldest known living person in the U.S. state of North Carolina.

At the age of 113, Ferrell is still able to walk with the help of a cane.

The GRG extends birthday greetings to Mrs Ferrell and wishes happiness and good health for the years ahead!