Murphy According to WorldData.info, a male born in the United States today will reach the age of 74.5 years old on average, while U.S. women are living to be 82.2 years. At 102, Katherine Brown-Wells is the exception to both.
Born in Cullowhee in 1921, Wells has led an interesting life. She married Harold Wells in 1943, and together they had four children.
Harold was a U.S. Army bomber. When he retired from the Army, he was tired and did not want to continue traveling. However, he supported his wife’s endeavors, as she did want to see the world.
Wells has visited every continent, with the exception of Antarctica. She traveled the world sometimes alone, other times with her children or friends at her side.
She loves to read and write. Her favorite reading material are historical books and anything that teaches her something new. Wells even wrote little diary-type books for her kids to share with them a closer insight about her.
Wells also loves to learn. It was only fitting that with that personality trait she would spend a period of time as a teacher. She taught elementary school at Hiwassee Dam before deciding to stay at home with her children.
And she loves to make people laugh.
Wells has kept company with one of her three caregivers, Cynthia Pinkerton, for the past seven years.
Pinkerton said of Wells, “She is the sweetest little lady you’ll ever meet. She worries about everybody else. To this day, she wants to know if someone’s cold or has eaten.”
Wells loves her baby dolls.
“She has two that she enjoys hugging and kissing. She dozed off one day while holding one, and when it fell on her she woke up and said, ‘Damn it, you hit me in the face,’ ” Pinkerton said with a laugh.
The biggest change Wells has seen in her 102 years is the shape the world is in. Her best advice to young people is, “Always care for others and don’t be all about yourself.”
She has accomplished everything she’s wanted to do in life. After traveling the world, she still lives in Murphy and has lots of love for her family, including her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
“She has never been mean or hateful,” Pinkerton said with emotion. “I’ve been with her for a long time, and she is one of the most precious and thoughtful ladies I’ve ever met. I am honored that the Lord put me with her.”
Wells was born on Valentine’s day, which seems fitting for this sweetheart of a lady.
“She got more flowers and cards on Valentine’s Day and her birthday than anyone I’ve ever seen,” Pinkerton said. “She is a well-loved lady.”