Murphy – Throughout her 100 years, Catherine Wells took full advantage of every opportunity that came her way.
“I’ve been exposed to everything I ever needed or wanted,” Wells said. “It’s been a most entertaining and interesting life.”
She credits her parents’ decisions for the foundations that helped her along the way. Throughout her life, she was blessed with people who positively influenced her life along the way.
Her parents were from Virginia and West Virginia, and after staying in Sylva decided Cullowhee would be the best place to live and start a family because of the university. She said Cullowhee gave her the opportunity to grow up around people who valued learning. They lived next door to a professor who taught geography and history, and she took advantage of his influence.
She went to Western Carolina University, where she met her husband, Harold, who was a native of Murphy. They were married before she graduated. She completed her final year at the school, serving as editor of the the Catamount yearbook.
She and Harold made a home in Murphy. She taught social studies and some English classes at Murphy High School, but only for a few years as she wanted to raise a family. Harold served in World War II as a B-24 pilot, flying on 54 missions.
She continued to increase her knowledge by traveling all over the world and has visited all continents except Antartica. She would try to take one big trip each year.
“I was born with a wanderlust,” Wells said.
Before her travels, she would read about the location. Wells tried to concentrate on taking trips to places she could read about.
“It was just an opportunity for me to soak up everything I could,” she said.
Wells toured places with a group of like-minded people and belonged to Elderhostel, an organization that offers study tours.
“I was learning and passing on to my children, and trying to encourage them to be outstanding readers,” she said.
And it worked. Wells said all four of her children – Virginia, Hubert, Wayne and Steve – grew up to
be “outstanding citizens.” They gave her nine grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
Wells turned 100 on Feb. 14, not knowing how she would be celebrated. She knew something was going to happen, as everyone kept asking her if she was ready.
Her family and church, Shepherd of the Mountains, organized a celebration in which they released biodegradable balloons in front of her house on Andrews Road.
“I’ve made good, wonderful friends here,” Wells said.