Maude Purcell, 92, of Harlan, is the oldest member of the women's club, and she said she has enjoyed every minute of the time she has spent in the club.
"I just loving being a part of all the good things we do, and I really enjoy spending time with the other ladies," Purcell said.
Purcell, originally from Kingsport, Tenn., came to Harlan as a bride in 1939 after marrying her husband, Garnie B. Purcell.
"My husband owned a business here in Harlan, and when we got married we came here to live," said Purcell. "It was shortly after that I became part of the women's club."
Purcell and her husband owned and operated Fullers Furniture Company until his death in 1954, and she then continued running the store with her brother-in-law, M. V. Purcell, until they sold out in 1970 to former employees of the store.
"I worked in the office of the store about all my life, even after we sold out," Purcell said. "I remained with the new owners until I was about 70 years old."
Purcell, who said that she has held several titles other than president in the women's club, was recently presented a plaque of recognition from the club president, Bettye Moody.
"She (Purcell) is a joy to be around, and we just love her," Moody said. "She is so active and always finding things to do, always on the go."
Purcell, who is a member of the Harlan Baptist Church, is active in several other clubs and organizations throughout the county including being a member of the Glory Singers, a Christian singing group, and serving as a member of the Christian Menders.
"The Christian Menders are a group of us who get together and quilt and just make things," Purcell said. "I just love being active and can never remember a time when I have not been on the go or doing something productive."
Purcell said she recently returned from a trip to Pigeon Forge, Tenn., with the Glory Singers.
Purcell, who has not only outlived her husband but also her only son, who died in 1990, said she has seen a lot of members come and go in the women's club and she thinks about the ones who are currently residing in the nursing home.
"I was just looking at a book the other day that listed all the past presidents of the women's club, and I could recall every one of them," said Purcell.
The titles she, the only charter member, has held in the club include vice president and treasurer, as well as a seat on the membership committee.
The Harlan Women's Club meets on the third Wednesday of each month at the Western Sizzlin' for lunch.
Purcell will celebrate her 93rd birthday in December.
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