Mrs. Catherine Harley is a dedicated, loving, Christian woman, too young to be a centenarian and just past being an octogenarian. At 91 Mrs. Catherine Harley is officially in the group between 90 and 100 known as nonagenarians.
She is originally from Barnwell, South Carolina, about 90 miles from Charleston; — but her roots run deep in Fort Lauderdale. This is where she got married, raised her family, and helped generations of children, generously sharing her time with little ones and college kids in the Bethune Cookman Concert Chorale. Until recently you could find Mrs. Harley in the kitchen, helping make sure food was ready after the Concert Chorale performed at First Baptist Church Piney Grove. She didn’t have children in the chorale but that never stopped Mrs. Harley from giving her all to make sure all the singers ate well — and she played a pivotal role helping pa-rents in their efforts to raise funds for the chorale.
Talking to Mrs. Harley one would hardly know she is 91. Her memory is sharp, and she still has a quick wit about her role as the leader of Cub Scout pack 154. “People talked about me. A lot of people, especially men, didn’t think I should have been the leader of the pack, “but it was the men who dropped it. So, I took it over”.
Mrs. Harley also taught bible study to children at “The Little Red School House” established more than 40 years ago to provide daycare and early learning to children in Northwest Fort Lauderdale.
She was a candy striper at Provident Hospital in Fort Lauderdale. The term candy striper referred to the pink and white striped uniform worn by female volunteers. Provident hospital was founded in 1938 – started by Dr. James Sistrunk and Dr. Von Mizell. It was the only hospital in Fort Lauderdale where black patients could receive care. Provident Hospital became a casualty of desegregation. Because it was segregated the hospital was no longer eligible for federal funding. The building was torn down and replaced by the Mizell Center.
Mrs. Harley has long been an active member and a past officer of the Church Women United of Fort Lauderdale. She has also been a delegate to the National Baptist Convention. In the 1960’s she was a member of the Young Matrons of First Baptist Church. For decades at First Baptist Church Piney Grove in Fort Lauderdale, she gave her time and talent, serving for years on the usher board, then joined the choir.
Never one to shy away from offering leadership when needed she has proudly served as the President of the Dixie Court United Resident Council.
Mrs. Harley was also honored twice by the Charmettes during their program “Women of the Bible.” Mrs. Harley is admired, respected by many in her community and loved by her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She was born Catherine Williams, one of 13 siblings: 10 girls and 3 boys. She has one living sibling, her sister, Aletha Brown.
Anyone who has met and come to know Mrs. Catherine Harley is left with a profound sense of having met a Christian lady who loves the lord, her family, and friends. She is a beloved priceless gem whose worth is far greater than jewels. Congratulations to Mrs. Catherine Harley for reaching nonagenarian status.
