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Golden Anniversary They said “I do” — and they meant it. Really meant it. And now, after making it to their golden years together, they continue to stand by each other, cherishing the vows of love and commitment they made ’way back when.
In this special Golden Anniversary tribute section, the Herald-Citizen celebrates local couples who have been married 50 or more years. They tell about how they met, what makes their love unique and offer advice to other couples striving to reach their
James and Mable Maddux The U.S. Air Force couldn’t break up James and Mable Maddux. The Baxter natives met at the skating rink in Baxter. They started dating in July of 1955, even though he was on leave serving in the U.S. Air Force. They dated for five months before marrying. They were married at Charles Mad-
dux’s house, one of James’ uncles, at 6:05 p.m. James worked at Fleetguard and Mable worked at the shirt factory. They have two children, Terry Maddux of Cookeville and Lisa Livingston of Knoxville, and one grandchild. Their hobbies include playing Rook
golden anniversary — and even longer. More than 80 special couples were happy to share their stories, inspiring us with their love and wisdom. They are soulmates who are in it for the long haul — “till death” do they part.
57 Years and going to Baxter Senior Center, watching TV and going out to eat with family and friends. They are members of Baxter Church of Christ for about 51 years. “We get along and love each other,” they say. “Put each other first. Give more and take less.”
Dean and Judy Mayberry Dean and Judy Mayberry are high school sweethearts — literally. They both lived on Fisk Road in Algood and met one day on the bridge at Fisk Road at the crossroads. They began dating while attending Algood High School as freshmen. They dated four years before marrying.
“We were married at Smyrna Church of Christ in a small ceremony with only family and special friends,” they recalled. “We were married by C.L. Powell on Dean’s 18th birthday.” They are the parents of Menica Turnet and Stephen Mayberry and have four grandchildren.
Dec. 16, 1955
51 Years
“We were voted the ‘Cutest Couple’ our freshman year of high school,” they said. Their advice for couples who strive to achieve 50 years of marriage is always work out all differences. The grass is not always greener on the other side.
July 7, 1961
John and Evelyne Stites
John and Evelyne Stites have known each other since grade school — sixth grade to be exact. “We began dating in the summer of 8th grade,” they recalled. “We went to a movie with an older married couple.” They dated four or five years before marrying in New Orleans. “John was in the Navy as an armed guard on a Merchant Marine ship,” Evelyne said. “He was back and forth from the U.S. to Cuba and back every
two weeks. Then he stayed in New Orleans for two weeks.” Evelyne was in college at the time they decided to get married — and shipped out the next day as a couple. They have three children, Johnny Stites, Jack Stites and Sarah Davidson, all of Cookeville, 11 grandchildren and “25 and 2/3” great-grandchildren. John was self-employed in building materials with Evelyne working with him. Both are retired from J&S Con-
67 Years struction Co. They enjoy camping, boating, playing golf, attending different civic clubs, and attending Collegeside Church of Christ. John has been a member there for 49 years while Evelyne has attended for 74 years. “We used God’s pattern,” they said. “The key to a successful marriage is to keep God first, each other second and children third. “Go into marriage with the thought ‘This is forever.’” March 16, 1945
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Golden Anniversary Chuck and Beverly Galmon A long drive couldn’t keep Chuck Galmon from seeing Beverly. The two met when Chuck was stationed at Altus Air Force Base in Altus, Okla., where Beverly lived. They began dating in March of 1959. “Chuck drove from Ft. Worth, Texas, to Oklahoma City every weekend where
I went to school,” Beverly recalled. “We dated nine months before marrying.” They are the parents of Mark Galmon of Denver, Colo., and the late Crystal Ragsdale, and have three grandchildren. They moved to the Upper Cumberland after retirement. Chuck was a plant manager of Miller
53 Years Container Co. and Beverly was in real estate. Chuck retired from Miller Brewing Company and Reynolds Metals. They enjoy RV’ing together. “Put your partner first,” they say to couples striving to achieve 50 years of marriage.
Dec. 15, 1959
Bill and Louise Flatt
April 5, 1955
Bill has known Louise since she was a baby. His parents had taken him to visit Louise and her parents following her birth, along with her twin brother, Ernest Dyer. “We dated a few times in high school, first getting together at Bill’s uncle Jesse Flatt’s wake at his home next door,” Louise said. They got engaged while Bill was on leave in the U.S. Air Force and then married eight months later on April 5, 1955, in Germany. Louise had gone to Rotterdam on a ship, and Bill picked her up and took her to Bremerhaven for their wedding. The ceremony was performed by a German justice of the peace with a friend serving as a trans-
57 Years
lator. Bill grew up in Jackson County, and Louise grew up in Jackson County, Detroit, Mich., and Putnam County. Louise has been a “super wife, mother, helper and homemaker,” while Bill was a dean and professor at Harding University, where he retired. They have three sons, Steve Flatt of Gainesboro and Tim and Danny Flatt, both of Memphis; five grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Today, they make their home in Cookeville and enjoy music, travel, writing and crossword puzzles. Bill also has a bluegrass band, and Louise knows all of his songs. They are members of Jefferson Avenue Church of Christ, where Bill teaches a class.
They say their relationship is unique because they compliment each other well. “Each of us values and appreciates what the other one does,” they said. “We enjoy each other as well.” Their advice to other couples striving to achieve 50 years of marriage is to “establish some priorities such as God, family, work, friends and reassure and discuss what these mean” and “don’t criticize your mate in front of others — compliment each other.” They say they have been through several serious health crises together and have always been there for each other. “Our love continues to grow,” they said.
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Golden Anniversary Charles and Mary Frances Carter Charles and Mary Frances Carter were married on May 18, 1944, in Rossville, Ga., in a small wedding ceremony with two witnesses. They had dated about three years, having met through friends. The couple has three children,
Joyce Daugherty of Rutledge, Rebecca Lane of Cookeville and Janice Blaylock of Cookeville; six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Both are from Putnam County. Their work has included farming,
68 Years
being a rural letter carrier, and program assistant with the Food and Nutritional Program of Tennessee. They have been members of Brotherton Missionary Baptist Church for 50 years and enjoy Bible study, bird watching, fishing and camping.
May 18, 1944
Jerry and Joyce Hornung It was a Halloween wedding for Jerry and Joyce Hornung — the two were married on Oct. 31, 1952. “It was a small wedding, and we couldn’t afford a honeymoon,” they said. They met at a church meeting and
wrote letters back and forth for five years before getting married in Michigan. Joyce grew up in Lapeer, Mich., and Jerry is from Millington, Mich. Joyce was a school bus driver at the Oakdale Center. The couple moved to
60 Years Cookeville for the “warmer weather.” They have 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren and enjoy traveling and cruising. They say “both people have to give 100 percent” to achieve 50 or more years of marriage.
Oct. 31, 1952
Bethel and Johnnie Pippin
Feb. 10, 1963
He was her neighbor and her brother’s best friend. She was good friends with his sister, and they all went places together. “We had to slip off from everyone to be together,” recalled Jackson County natives Bethel and Johnnie Pippin. The two dated for about a year before marrying on Feb. 10, 1963, in Baxter. “We didn’t have a big wedding,” they said. “We slipped out to Salon
William and Dalphine Carmack
William had already seen Dalphine working at the drug store in Livingston before he was discharged from the Army. When he went again, she sold him a ticket on a pony, and they began dating right away. After a three-month courtship, the two were married on Dalphine’s birthday, Nov. 26, 1954, in Livingston at the home of the preacher. “William forgot the ring, and we had to go to Hilham to his mamma’s,” Dalphine recalled. “The
rest went off good.” William and Dalphine have three children, Deborah Ann Seber of Allons, Martha D. Roberson of Birmingham, Ala., and Cynthia Lynn Pryor of Mt. Juliet; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. William worked 40 years for the Tennessee Highway Department, and Dalphine did factory work for 35 years. They enjoy fishing, hunting, gardening, camping, traveling, watching
Maxwell’s house. He was a JP at the time and married us.” During their first year of marriage, the couple rented a trailer before buying a house. Bethel got a job at Dixie Imperial Platting, and Johnnie worked at Cookeville Regional Medical Center. They have two children, Bobby L. Pippin and Randall Pippin, both of Baxter. They love going to hear bluegrass and
50 Years gospel music and attending church functions. They have been members of Bloomington Springs Church of Christ for 40 years. They also like ball games, traveling and being with family. “We enjoy being together and taking care of each other,” they said. Their advice to other couples striving of achieve 50 years of marriage is to “take each day one day at a time and never go to sleep mad.”
58 Years ball games on TV and visiting their kids and grandkids. They are members of First Baptist Church in Livingston. They say achieving 50 years of marriage takes love, giving and taking and trying hard to agree with each other. “We disagree quite often, but in a short time we don’t know what we disagreed about,” they said. “We both try hard to get along with both sides of the family good.”
Nov. 26, 1954
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Golden Anniversary Gene Evelyn and Carrel Warren Gene Evelyn Matheney and H. Carrel Warren, both Cookevillians, were married on Sunday, Oct. 22, 1950, in Jenkins Chapel at First United Methodist Church in Cookeville. They were the first couple to marry in the newly constructed chapel. They had known each other all their lives. Their parents had grown up in the Bangham and Post Oak communities, having moved to the “city life” of Cookeville as young married couples. Carrel served in the 101st Airborne Division of the European Theater during World War II. When he returned from active duty and became a college student at Tennessee Tech, he noticed the “little Matheney girl” had grown up while he was away, so he phoned for a date. It took two years of courtship to finally convince the couple they “were in love and might as well get married!” After the wedding, they drove to
Oct. 22, 1950
Memphis (no interstate in those days) to begin their honeymoon. The Mississippi River was a big attraction to Gene Evelyn, who had never seen a river larger than the Tennessee. To drive across the Crump Bridge into Arkansas gave a new state to begin their travels. Money was short, but “freebies” were easy to find. As they traveled the highway toward their destination of New Orleans, they stopped many times to climb the levees of the Mississippi and visited the Godchaux Sugar Factory, Vicksburg Battle Field, the capital building at Baton Rouge, Tulane University (walked out on the football field), the Audubon Park in New Orleans, as well as the constructed walk along the Mississippi River — just to mention a few. Both have lots of individual hobbies, but the hobby that has been most enjoyed together has been their travels,
Howard and Reba Bryant Howard and Reba Bryant say marriage is about give and take and “trying to please each other.” The two have been doing just that for 65 years. The couple met when Reba was working at the TPI Cafe. Howard was friends with one of her coworkers, who introduced them. “Neither of us had a car, so we walked almost everywhere,” they recalled. After dating six months, Howard and Reba were married on March 29,
62 Years including the many times they “camped” in a station wagon and had their meals over a camp fire. There are lots of ways to “see the world” without spending time in “ritzy” places, they said. The couple continued with their working days — Carrel with the United States Postal System and Gene Evelyn in the registrar’s office at Tennessee Tech and later as a service representative with the Social Security Administration. Both are now retired federal employees. How does a couple make it to 50 or more years? “It takes a lot of patience, respect for each other, trust, prayer and individual time,” they said. “Love grows with the passing of years until one day you wake up and realize you don’t want to be with anyone else except your sweetheart of the many years.”
65 Years
1947, in Rossville, Ga. “We went without telling anyone but the couple with us, Willie and Louise Bradford,” they said. “We had several flat tires coming and going.” Howard is from Cookeville, while Reba grew up in the Rickman area. He worked 40 years at W.R. Whitaker and Son (Cream City Ice Cream), and she worked 20 years at B&B Restaurant and 23 years at Fleetguard. They have a daughter, Rebecca
Maxwell of Cookeville, one grandchild and three great-grandchildren. Since retiring, Reba likes to garden, exercise at the senior citizens center and cook for her family and friends. Howard likes to walk and meet with friends for coffee each morning. He used to sing and play in a band on the radio, The Tennessee Valley Play Boys. Together, they enjoy traveling and playing Rummikub and Bingo. They have been members of West View Baptist Church for 61 years.
March 29, 1947
Virgil and Opal Medlin — Married January 19th 1946 Lounging in matching recliners at Morningside of Cookeville, lifetime sweethearts Virgil and Opal Medlin recount the story of their love’s journey that has so far lasted well over half a century. “He kinda sneaked that one in on me……but I didn’t fight him too much,” Opal smiles sheepishly as she recounts her first kiss with her husband of 67 yrs. She and Virgil met in 1944. She was 17 and he was 21. On leave from the Navy, Virgil had heard of Opal from family members before he actually met her. He set out on foot one day to meet her and unbeknownst to him, she was on the same mission having heard about him from her family. They spent the day together and when Virgil returned to the Aircraft Carrier where he was stationed, he and Opal wrote each other often. Virgil came home for good in December of 1945 and the two married the following month. The young couple moved to Ohio to find work and remained there for one year. Tragedy struck back at home when Opal’s mother died leaving a grieving husband and 5 sons. The still newly-wed couple moved back home, helped Opal’s father, and finished raising her 5 brothers. Together,
Virgil and Opal had one daughter. When asked about the most difficult aspects of marriage, the sweethearts agreed that it wasn’t difficult being married. “Things in life were difficult,” they said. “But we were always just happy to be together.” Children’s Names: Daughter -Butch and Barbara Glasscock, Cookeville TN Grandson- Jason and Melanie Stewart, Cookeville TN Great Granddaughter – Riley Elizabeth Stewart, Cookeville TN Where did they work: Virgil – Retired from Tennessee Tech University in 1986 after 28 years. Opal – Retired from Norwalk Furniture Corporation in 1976. They loved to travel. Traveling gave them the opportunity to do what they loved best – being together. For 20 years they traveled with different couples, going all over the southeast, camping and wearing out four motor homes. They have been members of the Sycamore Church of Christ for over 60 years. They love their family, love God and love each other.
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Golden Anniversary Netho and Clay Mae Oltremari “She told me when we got married that I had to keep her because she had no place to go,” Netho said. And Netho did “keep” Clay Mae — and they’re still together 57 years later. The Oltremari couple met at a skating rink and in 1953 went to a football game. After a year and a half of dating, they were married on July 11, 1955, at St. Joseph
Catholic Church in Greenville, Ms. “It was a small, simple church wedding,” Netho said. The couple lived and worked on a farm in Greenville for 72 years before moving to Cookeville. Their children are Cecilia O. Campbell of Cookeville, Mark Oltremari of Silver City, Ms., and two other sons who preceded them. They also have six grand-
57 Years children and three great-grandchildren. Netho and Clay Mae enjoy camping, traveling, woodworking, playing cards, doing yard work and cooking together. They are members of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. They say to achieve 50 years of marriage, couple need to “give and take and over look a lot of things.”
Harold and Genova Sparks
April 16, 1953
Howard Sparks can thank his cousin for introducing him to his wife. They met when Howard saw his cousin in the front yard of Genova’s family. “He stopped to talk to his cousin, who introduced him to me,” Genova said. “We began dating about a year later.” They dated for two-and-a-half years before getting married. They were married in Rossville, Ga., by a Justice of the Peace.
Dallas and Pauline Melton A friend introduced them in 1948 — and they’ve been together ever since. Dallas and Pauline Melton began dating when he worked at the Dale Hollow Dam and she worked at the Clay County Public Welfare office. The two would meet for lunch. Pauline recalls that Dallas took her on a tour — of all places — to the state penitentiary in Nashville, but it was “interesting.” After five months of dating, they were married on Oct. 23, 1948, in
Rossville, Ga. “It was a quiet wedding,” they said. “Mr. French performed the marriage, and we spent the night in Rossville.” The Clay County natives, who today live in Algood, have two daughters, Marjorie Whidby of Algood and Beverly Moody of Cookeville; four grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. They retired after 35 years with Morrison-Knudsen Company, Inc. “Over the years, it has been a chal-
“We had to drive right back because Genova’s father wanted to see the marriage certificate as proof that Howard actually married her,” Howard recalled. Genova grew up in Clay County and moved to Putnam County when she was a teenager. Howard also grew up in Putnam County. They have three children — Linda Helm of Silver Point, Judy Schinbeckler and Terry Sparks, both of Cookeville. Genova worked at Wilson’s Sporting
59 Years Goods for more than 25 years while Howard worked at Cookeville Industries for 28 years. They both eventually retired from those companies. Since retiring, their hobbies are farming and gardening, as well as watching sports together on TV. Both are UT fans — of both basketball and football. They have been members of Wilhite Baptist for more than 53 years. “Live your life right and everything else will work out,” they say.
64 Years lenge to move so many times,” said the Meltons, who have lived in New Zealand, Australia, Papua New Guinea and Iran. They enjoy gardening, fishing and helping to care for their grandchildren. Their advice to other couples for a long marriage is to “be prepared to live by I Corinthians 13:4, 8 — always have a humble, forgiving spirit — and trust in God for wisdom in everything you do.”
Dean and Edith Anderson
Nov. 3, 1962
July 11, 1955
Dean and Edith had seen each other at a social event and started talking. Two weeks later, they were married. “We knew we were meant for each other,” the Silver Point natives said. And so on Nov. 3, 1962, they tied the knot in Ringold, Ga., at the courthouse with the judge officiating the ceremony and one of their close friends standing as a witness. The couple has a daughter, Linda Pompell of Cookeville, and a grand-
daughter. Since retiring from construction and The Nannie’s Nursery, Dean loves fishing and gardening, while Edith loves home decorating and shopping. Together, they enjoy spending time with their family, especially their granddaughter. They live in Cookeville and have been members of Hampton’s Cross Road Baptist Church for 20 years. “We are so much alike in different
Oct. 23, 1948
50 Years ways,” they said. “We like most of the same things and view things about the same way.” They have a good sense of humor, too. “We love to laugh a lot and are practical jokers,” they said. Their advice to couples striving for 50 years of marriage is to “be forgiving and don’t hold grudges, see the other’s point of view and show compassion and unconditional love.”
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Golden Anniversary Richard and Anna Savage He was from Grundy County. She was from Bledsoe and Sequatchie counties. They first saw each other at a teacher’s meeting in Dunlap, and later went together to the Five and Ten store to buy Halloween trinkets for a school program. One year later, the couple decided that they were meant to be. Richard went into the Army in February of 1950, and the pair wrote letters to each other every day. They
married Sept. 5, 1951, when Richard had a week off. Anna had to complete a half year of school before she could be with him in Colorado. Over the years, Richard taught at Eagle School in Sequatchie County and Tennessee Tech University. Anna also taught at Eagle School in Sequatchie County, the University of Tennessee and Upperman. These days, they keep busy tending their Christmas tree farm and travel-
61 Years ing, while also enjoying reading, listening to music and eating out — especially at Logan’s. They are members of the Catholic faith. They say the secret to their successful 61-year marriage is to talk things over and make sure you are both on the same page. “When getting ready to marry, make it a lifetime committment,” they say. “It is good to have some interest and be a shadow for each other.”
Shirley and Wilma Rector
Dec. 22, 1945
Shirley and Wilma Rector met while growing up in the same neighborhood and going to the same church. When they both moved from the Dodson Branch community of Jackson County for work in Dayton, Ohio, all the young people from Tennessee would get together, and the two just started dating from there. Two years later, on Dec. 22, 1945, they were married in Dayton by a justice of the peace on the 10th floor of
They were at a high school dance, and he couldn’t keep his eyes off her. “I knew Kathryn was the girl I was going to marry,” Howard said. “It was love at first sight for both of us.” After six months of dating, Howard and Kathryn Carter were married Aug. 24, 1949, in a small family affair in Montgomery County, Maryland, but renewed their vows with a big wedding for their 50th wedding anniversary. “After almost 64 years, she is still my bride,” Howard said.
67 Years
a building on Main Street with only two strangers as witnesses. Now, 67 years later, they say they have “been married so long and still love each other.” Shirley has worked for Frigidaire in Ohio and was the owner of an Exxon Gas Station, and Wilma worked at Curtis Cash. They both retired from Rector’s Lawn and Garden. They have two children, Pat Rector
Howard and Kathryn Carter
Sept. 5, 1951
and Cindy Stephenson, both of Cookeville, and two grandchildren. Shirley enjoys woodworking, puzzles and restoring old Cub Cadet lawn mowers; Wilma likes keeping house. They enjoy working together in the yard and are members of Cookeville Freewill Baptist Church. Their advice for couples striving to achieve a long marriage is “when you get in a fuss, one should walk away and get over it.”
63 Years
Howard was a Montgomery County firefighter for 25 years and a Polk County sheriff’s deputy for 20 years. Kathryn was a school bus operator in Montgomery County for 20 yeas. Although they grew up in Maryland, the couple always wanted to live in Tennessee. Today, they live in Monterey. Their children are Gary and Sharon Carter of Greenbank, W.Va., Glenda Simmons of Cookeville and Karen and Paul Gentry of Monterey. They have nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Kathryn enjoys painting, and Howard likes to “get into whatever takes my fancy that day.” They also enjoy watching TV together and have been members of First Baptist Church in Monterey for seven years. They say their relationship is unique because they have “the Lord and our love of the Lord in all things.” To achieve a long, happy marriage, they offer the following advice: “Talk to each other and always listen. Don’t just hear – really, really listen. Tell each other often that you love him or her because you never know about tomorrow.”
Beautiful Babies 2013 Composed of entries from our readers, this section is a celebration of the playfulness and innocence of childhood.
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A8 — HERALD-CITIZEN, Cookeville, Tenn. — www.herald-citizen.com — Thursday, February 14, 2013
Golden Anniversary Don and Bernice Haile The year was 1945, and Bernice had gone to the bus station with a friend, who was coming home on leave from the Navy during World War II — and she ended up meeting Don. Afterward, the two began dating and wrote to each other when Don, a Gainesboro native, returned to the Navy. Bernice, a Cookeville native, and her mother had ridden a train to California to see Don while he was still stationed there. A year after they began dating, Ber-
nice and Don were married on May 25, 1946, at Bernice’s home in a small wedding in front of the fire place with her parents (Hack and Velma Campbell) and one other couple standing as witnesses. Today, they make their home in Cookeville, where Don is the owner of Don Haile and Son Decorators, and Bernice is a housewife. They have two children, Tommy (and Sandy) Haile and Donna (and Buddy) Qualls, all of Cookeville; three grand-
66 Years children; and three great-grandchildren. They have been members of First Baptist Church in Cookeville for more than 60 years and enjoy bowling, dancing, hunting, shopping and playing with their granddog, Olley. “We love and respect each other and are best friends,” they said. “We are still sweethearts 66 1/2 years later.” Their advice to other couples for achieving 50 years of marriage: “You always need to give and take and forgive and forget.”
John and Reba Smith
Dec. 19, 1953
John and Reba met while attending church together in Detroit in 1953. “John did not have a car,” Reba recalled. “He took the crosstown bus to see me. He lived on the east side of Detroit, and I lived on the west side.” Ten months later, on Dec. 19, 1953, the two were married at the home of Reba’s parents with just family attending the ceremony. John is a native of Pineville, Ky., and Reba was born in the Upper Cumberland but grew up in Detroit.
John and Marion Barwick They both love to dance, and that’s how they met. It was at a teen center dance in Hollywood, Fla. John, who was in the U.S. Marine Corp, was home on a weekend pass when he first saw Marion. They met there again on another weekend pass and started dating. “We both love to dance and did so as often as possible,” John said. A year later — on Dec. 1, 1957 — they were married in their hometown of Hollywood. “We had a beautiful church wedding with great friends and family and a great reception with lots of good food and lots of great
dancing,” they said. John continued with the Marine Corp until retirement; Marion was a student. They have four children, John L. Barwick, Lori A. Dobso, Leslie M. Strassel and Brian M. Barwick; nine grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Today they live in Cumberland Cove and are members of Monterey United Methodist Church. They enjoy crafts, gardening, sewing, woodworking, having fun with friends and family — and dancing, of course. “So much do we love to dance that we
59 Years
They have four children, Gail Evans of Silver Point, Ronald Smith of Swartz Creek, Mich., Tracy Tessanne of Westland, Mich., and Johanna Farchlone of Howell, Mich.; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. John retired from General Motors in Michigan, while Reba worked for Industrial Strainer. Since making their home in Cookeville, John enjoys flower gardening, and Reba loves cooking and
baking with their grandchildren. Together, they enjoy volunteering in church and health care. They have been members of Cookeville Christian for 17 years. They say “love and trust” make their relationship unique and that the key to a long and happy marriage is to “enjoy your family” and “show your children love and tell them how much they are important to you always.” They added, “We try to be the best parents and grandparents in the world.”
55 Years give a dance class at the Cookeville Senior Center once a week and dance there one other night,” John said. “On occasion, we will go to another dance somewhere else close. Doing things together helps make for a great relationship.” They even attended their first prom at a senior prom dance at Avery Trace School three years ago. “What a great time it was,” they said. John and Marion advise other couples who want to achieve 50 years of marriage to “have lots of fun together, have lots of good friends and stay close with your family.”
Harry and Renee Jones
Aug. 6, 1961
May 25, 1946
It started out as a blind date for Harry and Renee Jones. Their story begins when Renee was a sophomore at Hartnell Jr. College in Salinas, Calif. Harry worked for his father as a driver-distributor of Foremost Dairies. On that blind date, Renee and Harry “clicked immediately, dated, got engaged in April and married in August.” They were married at First Presbyterian Church in Carson City, Nev., in a very economical ceremony. “We had no music, no photographer,”
they recalled. Renee was escorted by her father. The minister had to start the ceremony over — Renee saw how scared Harry was and started laughing. The couple have two sons, Skip “Harry” Jones of Fairfax Station, Va., and Jeff Jones of Dacula, Ga., two daughters-inlaw and four grandchildren. Harry was self-employed for Carnation Milk, then worked for Shell Oil until he retired. Renee did officework. They retired from Houston, Texas.
Dec. 1, 1957
51 Years They both grew up in California, but moved here thanks to a friend from Texas who moved to Fairfield Glade. They enjoy traveling in their RV and reading. “We are very self-contained, discuss everything, communicate well, care for each other and put each other first,” they said. Their advice for couples who strive to achieve 50 years of marriage is to cooperate, communicate and care for each other.
HERALD-CITIZEN, Cookeville, Tenn. — www.herald-citizen.com — Thursday, February 14, 2013 — A-9
Golden Anniversary Ted and Ruth Shelton Ted and Ruth met on a bus in Detroit, Mich. “The bus driver introduced us,” Ruth recalled. “We were the only two on the bus for about five miles.” Later, the two ended up at the movies at the same time. “We saw each other, talked and sat together, and Ted walked me home,” Ruth said. During their two-year courtship, Ruth remembers that Ted didn’t drive, so they had to either take the bus or walk wherever they went. “Finally, he bought a car, and it was in the shop every weekend,” Ruth said.
56 Years
Ted and Ruth became husband and wife on June 28, 1956, at the courthouse in Detroit. They had picked up their license on the second floor and gotten married on the ninth floor with Judge David Vokes officiating. Ted worked at General Motors as a cost accountant for 39 years, retiring in 1992. They moved to Cookeville because “Ted loved this area.” He was a native of Newport, Tenn., while Ruth was born in Gainesboro and raised in Michigan. The couple has three children, Tedi Shelton of New Boston, Mich., Laura Benardo of Southgate, Mich., and Darrin Shelton of Flat Rock, Mich.;
six grandchildren; and 10 greatgrandchildren. Ted loves hunting and traveling with Ruth to visit relatives. They also enjoy sitting and talking for hours and watching TV. They are members of Calvary Baptist Church. “We love each other and respect each other,” they said. “Through hard times and good times, we stand together.” Their advice to other couples for achieving a long, happy marriage is to “hold hands, let each other be themselves, love each other always, kiss in the morning and before bedtime, and never go to bed angry.”
June 28, 1956
James and Euva Nell Reed 54 Years
Feb. 16, 1955
Earl and Hazel Mills
57 Years Earl and Hazel Mills of Cookeville have been married nearly 58 years. The couple wed on Feb. 16, 1955. They have two daughters, Pamela Roberts and Marcia King, who both live near Baxter; five grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
When James went to the nurse’s station with an injured finger, he did not expect to meet his future wife. But when he talked the nurse who cared for him, he found himself asking her to go to the Murry State ball game that night with him. That started a courtship that lasted about eight months before their marriage. Euva drove to the church in Nashville from Murry., Ky., in the snow for that special day that they shared with Roger’s step-father and half-sister. The pair have two children: James Robert Reed of Cookeville and Carol Ann Lopez of Colorado; five grandchildren and one great-grandchild. “We have raised two beautiful children and have loved every minute of it,” they
say. James retired from Tennessee Tech, while Euva retired from N.H.C. Healthcare. Now they enjoy gardening, sitting on the porch and spending their time with family and friends while they enjoy growing old together. They have been members of Friendship United Methodist Church since 1969. Their advice for a long, happy marriage? Stay true to each other and communicate, and don’t be afraid to laugh or cry with each other.
Feb. 2, 1959
From the staff at
Salon 22/7
June Smith - Owner, Jessica Maynard, Cassi Wood, Catlin Stokes, and not pictured Wanda Purtell (Massage Therapist)
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Golden Anniversary Brownie and Helen Watts It all began at the Carthage fair. Helen was there with her friends and threw popcorn at a young man to get his attention. That young man — Brownie — then got Helen’s address and wrote to her while he was away in the Army. On April 27, 1953 — two and a half years after they met — they were married at their pastor’s house
April 27, 1953
in Baxter. Now, 59 years later, the couple lives in Cookeville. During their time together, Brownie ran a paving outfit for many years, and Helen worked in the Mcord Win factory for 20 years. “Back in the day,” they enjoyed dancing. They have six children — Ramona Hutchison, Anita Ober Miller, Amy Jones and Johnny Watts, all of
Carson and Maudine Holloway “Be kind to one another, have patience, endure all things together and love your children.” That’s the advice given by Carson and Maudine Holloway for a long, happy marriage. The couple met at Carson’s sister’s house and “went together” three years before tying the knot on July 15, 1950, in Cookeville by the justice of the peace in front of the jail. Carson remembers that during their courtship he had to be on his “best be-
havior” because his sister was “always with us.” Carson and Maudine grew up in Cookeville and Jackson County and now reside in Cookeville. They are retired from Tennessee Tech University and the Thunderbird Motel. They have six children, Roy Holloway, Rita Lee, Curtiss Holloway, Barbara Hart, Theresa Manis and Tina Manis; 12 grandchildren; six greatgrandchildren; and two great-greatgrandchildren.
“We love to sit together and watch football and sing on the radio,” they said. They’ve also enjoyed raising chickens. “She liked to raise gardens and flowers,” Carson added. They are members of Douglas Chapel Freewill Baptist Church. They say their relationship is unique because: “We loved each other all these years no matter what. Even losing a son a few years ago, we helped each other to hold up and stay strong.”
Rene Sr. and Luisa Vila say couples need “a lot of listening and respect for one another, plenty of selflessness and a lot of give and take” to make it to their golden anniversary. And they should know — they’ve been married 57 years. Rene was introduced to Luisa at his mother’s house in New York City. Afterward, he began visiting her at her grandparents’ house, and they began dating. They used to go to the movies every Sunday, and it was there that Rene proposed to Luisa after about a year of dating.
Hugh and Judy Hix It was at their church where Hugh and Judy Hix say they fell in love. They met at church in 1959 and “our first date we went to church service every night for a week,” they say. “We fell in love and are still in love.” Hugh grew up in Celina while Judy, whose maiden name is Richardson, grew up in Gainesboro. After dating for one year, the couple was married in Gainesboro at the home of Church of Christ minister Brother Carl Gossett on Sept. 1, 1960.
The couple moved to Cookeville so that their children, Teresa Roberts and David Hix now of Cookeville and Jopin Hix now of Jackson County, could attend schools here, and for Hugh’s job at Loughman Cabinet Shop. Judy went to work at Master’s Healthcare. “We have worked together to raise three wonderful children and helped to enjoy four grandchildren and one great grandson,” they say. The couple’s hobbies include reading, flower arranging, wood working, and
Cookeville, Roy Watts of Baxter and Larry Watts of Gordonsville. They also have eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Helen said their love for each other makes their relationship unique. “He is so good to me,” she said. Their advise to other couples striving to achieve 50 years of marriage is to “go with the flow.”
62 Years
Rene and Luisa Vila
April 9, 1955
59 Years
July 15, 1950
57 Years
The wedding followed on April 9, 1955, at Christian Church John 3:16 in Bronx, N.Y., where they both grew up. They had a big bridal party, and Luisa’s dress was homemade by Rene’s aunt, who worked on Broadway. They say their relationship is unique because they “love the Lord and have a lot of understanding for each other.” Today, the Vilas live in Cookeville, having been inspired to move here after a vacation. They came following their retirement in Naples, Fla., where Rene worked at the Collier County Sheriff’s
Department and Luisa worked at Marshall’s. They have three children, Jessica Melvin of Cookeville and Ken Vila and Rene Vila Jr., both of Naples.; nine grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Since retiring in Cookeville, Rene enjoys collecting firearms, and Luisa enjoys shopping with her daughter. They also like going out to eat and are members of Restoration of Hope. Looking ahead, Rene and Luisa say they’re “striving to go another 50 years” together.
52 Years working on the computer. They especially enjoy watching their great-grandson grow up via Facebook. “We take good care of each other, do everything together and try to enjoy every day,” they say. They have been members of Willow Avenue Church of Christ for 39 years and offer this advice to other couples: “Love each other through thick and thin and never stay mad long. Be good Christians, discuss every adventure in your lives. Do fun things together.”
Sept. 1, 1960
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Golden Anniversary Harold and Patsy Howell
April 22, 1960
What started as a blind date at the Livingston fair turned into a marriage of more than 50 years for Harold and Patsy Howell. Harold, who is from Algood, and Patsy, who is from Cookeville, were set up by a mutual friend to meet at the fair on August 22,1959. Eight months later, they were married at the home of J.A. McCaleb’s home. Patsy was still in school at the time and Harold was worked at the local
shirt factory. “We married so young that we grew up together,” they say. “We know each other so well.” Patsy later became employed at Tutco and Harold started his own business. They have two children, Regina Johnson of Cookeville and Cliff Howell of Algood, and five grandchildren. “Since retirement, we are together all of the time and we get along most
Copeland and Jean Jared Jean and Copeland Jared were high school sweethearts, enjoying their first date at a party being held at Jean’s friend’s house. That first date led the couple into a relationship that would last from their second year of high school on. The couple married one year after graduation and have been together since. Their wedding took place in Huntsville, Ala with a minister, the minister’s son and their good friend Jean Tipps present.
Their relationship is unique, they say, because they “share and communicate with each other.” Copeland, originally from Lois, Tennessee, and Copeland, originally from a small community two miles north of Lynchburg, Tennessee, came to the Putnam County area because they thought it would be a great place to live. Copeland bought a barber shop here, called College Barber Shop, and Jean worked for Cookeville Housing. Now retired, the couple has two sons,
52 Years of the time really well,” they say. Now, they enjoy gardening, wood working, reading, quilting, growing fruit trees and berry bushes and going for drives to new places together. They have been members fo Stevens Street Church for about five years. Their advice for other couples: “Be sure you truly love the person you marry and remember that marriage is a lot of give and take.”
67 Years Jim of Oxford, New York, and Steve of Rocky Mount, N.C., four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. “We have a loving and close knit relationship with our families,” they say. They have been members of Jefferson Avenue Church of Christ for 50 years and would advise other couples looking to have the same success in marriage they have enjoyed to “serve the Lord and listen to each other.” Together the couple enjoys traveling and Jean loves to bake.
Bob and Sue Luttmann Bob and Sue Luttmann were married on June 2, 1961. The couple met when Bob was in the Army at Fort Campbell, Ky., and Sue was working in Nashville. He is a native of Long Island, N.Y., and she is from Gainesboro.
Nov. 30, 1945
51 Years
They made their home in Cookeville because “it’s a good place to live.” They have two children, Bobbie Pippen of Cookeville and Tammy Kroyer of Louisville, Ky.; four grandchildren; and two great-grand-
children. Since retiring, she enjoys working in the garden and cooking. The Luttmanns also enjoy camping in their RV. Their advice to couples for a long marriage is to “hang in there.”
June 2, 1961
Thurman and Lois Bradley
“Keep the lines of communication open, be patient and consider each other’s feelings always,” say Thurman and Lois Bradley. That’s their advice for couples striving to make it to their 50th wedding anniversary and beyond. The Bradleys — natives of San Jose, Calif., and Hastings, Minn.
— were married June 22, 1960, and now live in Cookeville. They have four children, Richard Bradley of Cookeville, Tracy Anderson and Trisha Mitchell, both of Sparta, and Rodney Bradley of Aliso Viejo, Calif.; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren, with another one due in
52 Years March. Thurman and Lois are members of Jefferson Avenue Church of Christ and enjoy reading the Bible together, working on crossword puzzles, cooking and doing woodworking projects. “Always keep God in your life,” they said.
June 22, 1960
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Golden Anniversary J.D. and Wilma Randolph Never go to bed mad and talk your problems out. That is the advice J.D. and Wilma Randolph of Baxter share for those who strive to achieve 50 years of marriage. It must be good advice, as this May, they will celebrate 67 years of marriage. Wilma grew up in Hickey and Silver Point while J.D. grew up six miles south of Baxter on Judd Cemetery
May 16, 1946
Floyd and Mary Whaley It was love at first sight for Mary Whaley. “I went to draw water from the neighbor and he was at their house,” she said of Floyd. “He drew my water for me.” She said it was then that they fell in love. “He walked me home to ask my mother if he could go with me,” she said. From then on out, they did a number of activities together. “We went to Fall Creek Falls, the movies, Center Hill Lake and had a great time,” she said. They dated nine months before getting married.
“We got married by a Justice of the Peace and it cost $3,” she said. “He gave one dollar back to me and said to keep it.” They both grew up in the Glade Creek/Calfkiller River area and now live in Sparta. He is retired from Hydramatic in Toledo, Ohio, and enjoys hunting, fishing and woodworking. “I also enjoy walking with my wife,” he said. “We also enjoy camping, playing pool, ping pong, air hockey and painting ceramics.” They attend Smith Chapel in Pleasant Hill
Road. J.D. worked on building Center Hill Dam and Wilma worked at Acme Boot. J.D. later worked there as well. They met at Carr’s Chapel Church and dated one year before getting married in Rossville, Ga. Their children are Gail Beuerlein, who lives in Cookeville, James Randolph, who lives in Baxter, and the late Ronald Randolph.
and have a good time together. “We look forward to being together,” they said. They are the parents of Beverly Porath, who lives in Monterey, and Teresa Willey, who lives in Sparta. They have four children and five great-grandchildren. What’s their advice for couples who strive to achieve 50 years of marriage? “Just remember your mate is your best friend. Always give a hug and say ‘I love you.’” They have had 51 great years together and hope to have many more.
Thirty miles couldn’t keep Donald and Betty apart. The couple met through a mutual friend and it took off from there. “He came with a mutual friend to my house,” she said. “The mutual friend wanted to date me, so I went on a date with him, just to get to know Donald. Then I ended up going on a date with Donald the next night.” He lived in Algood and she lived in Hanging Limb. “He drove to see me three times a week, no matter the weather,” she said.
J.D. and Mable Lee J.D. and Mable Lee are thankful for a long and blessed marriage. The two met at church and dated for three years before eloping and getting married by the Justice of the Peace in Rossville, Ga. They are the parents of Gary (Sharon) Lee, Sandra (Garry)
Allen and Mike Lee, all of Cookeville, and have four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Mable is retired from Cookeville Junior High School and J.D. was a self-employed carpenter. “We enjoy gardening and canning
The couple has nine grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and three greatgreat-grandchildren. J.D. enjoys working on the farm while Wilma enjoys quilting and reading. However, they enjoy gardening, fishing and going to church together. They are members of Bethlehem Church of Christ, where they’ve been members 66 and a half years.
51 Years
Donald and Betty Cleghorn
Sept. 2, 1961
66 Years
The two dated two years before getting married. “We were married at the preacher’s house with my mother as the witness,” she said. They are the parents of Jimmy Cleghorn of Algood and Kristie Garrett, who lives in Livingston, and have four grandchildren. He worked at Warren’s Service Station and the Putnam County Highway Department, which he eventually retired from. She retired from Master’s Healthcare.
Jan. 17, 1962
51 Years The Lord has always been at the center of their marriage. They are members of the Algood Circle Drive Freewill Baptist. They enjoy fishing and spending time together with family, while gospel singing and wood working are other hobbies. Always being honest with each other and having trust is key to their relationship. For couples who strive to achieve 50 years of marriage, they say to always put God first and don’t give up easy. “Always remember to be honest.”
65 Years together,” they said. In addition to that, J.D. enjoys wood working. They are members of Sycamore Church of Christ, where they’ve attended for 35 years. They give this simple advice for couples who strive to achieve 50 years of marriage: “Give and take.”
July 4, 1947
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Golden Anniversary Dennie and Edna Smith
May 31, 1958
It wasn’t until two weeks after they met that Dennie asked Edna out. Dennie was working in the kitchen at Tennessee Tech when they met. Two weeks later, he went to Edna’s house and asked her out. “I said yes!” Edna recalls. At the time, Edna’s good friend was dating Dennie, and “then he wanted to go with me.” Dennie grew up in Jackson County (the Dodson Branch community) while she grew up in Algood.
James and Kathy McGill Illinois transplants Jim and Kathy McGill relocated to the Upper Cumberland because they like the climate and affordable living. The couple come from East St. Louis, Illinois, where they met at the roller skating rink. “We started dating right after we met in 1958,” Kathy said. “Then Jim went to northern Illinois to work. He only came home on the weekends.” The two dated for two years before getting married.
“It was just a small service in the Justice of the Peace office,” she said. They have four children — James A. McGill of Goodrich, Michigan; Joel McGill of Oxford, Michigan; Jeffrey McGill, also of Oxford, Michigan; and Jo-Anna Rizer of Madison Heights, Michigan. They also have seven grandchildren and three greatgrandchildren. Jim worked for General Motors in Michigan for 30 years and then Wal-
Three months later, they were married at the courthouse in Livingston. They are the parents of Katie Smith, Eddie Smith, Teddie Ray Smith and Terisa (Smith) Hamlet. They have 10 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Dennie worked at Chrysler Inc. and built houses while Edna worked at Aquect Inc. and Cookeville Regional Medical Center. “We play a lot of Rook, Rummy and golf with friends,” they said. They are
mart in Cookeville for 11. They both enjoy traveling and attending church at New Home Baptist Church in Boma, where they’ve been members for nine years. Their advice for couples striving to reach the Golden Anniversary is to never go to bed mad at night. “It’s give and take,” Kathy continued. “Learn to say you’re sorry. We are both fighting my cancer. He has been wonderful taking over the household chores.”
The Navy couldn’t keep Vanas and Mary Ann Medlock apart. The couple began dating all through high school in Baxter. “We were freshman in high school at Baxter Seminary,” Vanas remembers. “The first time I met her, she was wearing a yellow small checkered print dress.” They dated all through high school. After high school, Vanas went into the Navy for three yeras and when he came back, she was still there.
Hubert and Elma Allison
Hubert and Elma Allison grew up in the same community, but didn’t start dating until after World War II. The Baxter couple celebrated 67 years of marriage last month and “still like each other” after all those years. They have four children — Pat Anderson of Memphis, Peggy Bush of
Crossville, Kathy Massa of Cookeville and Tim Allison of Dayton — and six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. With less than four months of dating — shortly after Hubert returned from World War II — the couple married at the courthouse in Cookeville. Hubert worked with McCords and
also members of the Algood 4th Avenue Church of Christ and renewed their vows on their 50th anniversary at Dodson Branch School in 2008. They have some sound advice when it comes to celebrating 50 years of marriage: “When you get married and say ‘till death do you part,’ mean it and stick with it. So many little children today are so confused with stepmothers and stepfathers they don’t know what to do.”
52 Years
Vanas and Mary Ann Medlock
Dec. 16, 1962
54 Years
“Three months later, we got married.” They were married at Baxter Methodist Church with close family and friends watching. Mary Ann was born and raised in Baxter while Vanas moved all around, from Arkansas to Detroit. He owned and operated his own business, Custom Tool, while Mary Ann was a housewife. They have one daughter, Cindy Moore, who lives in Cookeville, and one grandchild.
March 4, 1960
50 Years “We have no real hobbies, but we enjoy being together and not having to do anything.” The couple are members of Friendship Church on Mine Lick Creek Road, having attended there for more than 50 years. “We love God and always put Him first,” they said. His advice for couples striving to achieve 50 years of marriage is simple: “The man should always get the last word — Yes dear!”
67 Years Farming while Edna worked with the Cookeville Boat Dock Utility District. They attend First Baptist Church in Cookeville, where they’ve been members for 30 years. They have one simple piece of advice for couples striving to meet the 50 year mark: “No fighting.”
Jan. 19, 1946
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Golden Anniversary Raleigh and Nola Mae Needham
June 6, 1937
Raleigh and Nola Mae met in the fifth grade while growing up in Livingston. In their junior year, Raleigh bought one of Nola Mae’s chocolate pies at a class supper — he’s been eating her chocolate pies ever since. After dating for four years they married in the home of Nola Mae’s parents, L.P. and Maude Jernigan in Livingston, and spent their honeymoon in the Smoky Mountains. They have two sons, John Needham of Harriman and Bill Needham
Pharoah and Blanche Smithers One wouldn’t expect to find a diamond in a transistor radio given as a gift. But Blanche Smithers did. “My mother said that sure is a funny way to give a diamond,” she recalled. She and Pharoah Smithers celebrated 50 years of marriage last November. They began dating in late 1961 after a birthday party. “I was only 17 years old and still in high school,” Blanche said. “We were told we would never make a marriage last.” The two eloped and married in Livingston.
Blanche grew up in Cookeville while Pharoah grew up in Elgin, Tenn. “His brother-in-law was attending Tech and he came here for a summer job,” Blanche said of how Pharoah got here. Three months after they were married (and while Blanche was still in high school), Pharoah was nearly killed in a car accident. He had multiple surgeries following that. He was employed by Blanche’s father following high school graduation, and worked at Hawkins Feed Mill. He eventually re-
of Livingston; two grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Raleigh worked in Livingston as a retail merchant and served two terms as mayor. After retirement, the couple owned a custom picture frame/hobby shop and enjoyed working there together. Nola Mae enjoyed collecting, repairing and making dolls. She also won awards at the Texas State Fair for her teddy bears. Now they live in Cookeville and are members of First United Methodist
tired from Snap-On Tools. The two are the parents of Greg Smithers of Memphis and Mona Brantley of Bettendorf, Iowa, and have two grandchildren. “We enjoy volunteering at Cookeville Regional Medical Center and doing a variety of activities at church, Hampton’s Crossroads Baptist Church.” They also enjoy boating, traveling and volunteering with Mended Hearts. “Give and take,” is the advice she gives couples striving to reach 50 years of marriage. “Never go to bed mad.”
Charles and Sue were so young when they met that they don’t remember that first meeting, but they started the fifth grade together. They started going steady in June of 1959, though they had shared a few dates before then. Their first date was attending a church service together. It was after sixth months of dating that they wed in a small, intimate service with their immediate families and a few friends at the home of Sue’s parents. Charles’ mother and Sue’s father actually dated as young people. They never
Donald and Linda Dillon Donald and Linda Dillon recently celebrated 55 years of marriage and are still best friends to this day. The two met in high school in Rickman. “We had a double date with our best friends and went to a drive-in movie,” they recalled. They married at age 18 and 20, practically growing up together. “We had no money so we decorated the church ourselves,” they said. “I
wore my junior formal — my mother made a jacket for it — and Donald wore the suit he wore to graduation.” The two married in Ashland City Methodist Church and have two children — Craig Dillon of Athens, Tenn., and Chris Dillon of Knoxville. They have five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Don worked with the State of Tennessee while Linda worked with
Church in Livingston — which they have attended since early childhood. They spend as much time as possible with their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and trying to be good citizens. Their advice for couples wanting a long and happy marriage is to honor your marriage vows, work together and for each other. They also advise having fun, loving each other and not envying what others have.
50 Years
Charles and Sue Pippin
Dec. 19, 1959
75 Years
dreamed their children would someday marry. Charles and Sue have two children, Sherrie Pippin of Jackson County and Alan Pippin of Putnam County; and five grandchildren. Charles worked mainly as a farmer, though he had several other jobs. Sue worked in food service at Gainesboro Elementary School. Now retired and living in Bloomington Springs, they both enjoy traveling, camping, music festivals and just enjoying every day together. They have
Nov. 9, 1962
53 Years been members of Union Hill Church of Christ for 40 years. A few years ago they renewed their vows at their 50th wedding celebration with the same minister who performed their marriage ceremony, Bill Flatt. What is their advice for a long and happy marriage? “If you have a strong faith, that’s a plus,” they say. They also suggest growing together, accepting one another as they are, and always striving to obey the Golden Rule with your mate and all others.
55 Years Williams Wholesale and Federal Land Bank. Donald still farms full-time while Linda likes to read. They both enjoy going to antique car shows with their family and attend Oak Hill United Methodist Church. “You have to give and take,” they say to couples who wish to strive 50 years of marriage. “Put God first in your life.”
Jan. 25, 1958
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Golden Anniversary Glen and Doris Whittaker
June 11, 1957
Doris Hampton thought she was just getting a box of Valentine candy. She actually got something more sparkly. The couple, who are each other’s best friend to this day, spend time taking care of each other and laughing. Their story begins at the Dipsy Doodle, where Doris was on a date with a friend Glen knew. Glen stopped and met Doris and made a date for Sunday night. It was the summer of 1956 and they married one year later. “Glen gave me my engagement ring
Shirley and Geraldine Phipps “Just keep your vows, give and take and let God take care of the marriage.” That’s the advice from Shirley and Geraldine Phipps for couples striving to achieve 50 years of marriage. And they would know — they’ve made it 65 years so far. Shirley and Geraldine, who both grew up in and around Monterey, met at a youth gathering after church. Three months later, they were ready to tie the knot at Geral-
dine’s home. “It was just a normal in-home wedding with the minister, family and friends present,” Geraldine said. “It was short and sweet, and someone told us our marriage would not last a year.” Shirley was in the Air Force (civil service), having retired from Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio; Geraldine has been a homemaker. They have three children, Richard Phipps of Knoxville, Ronna
in a box of Valentine’s candy,” she recalled. “I still wear the ring.” The two were married at the home of Harold and Shirley Selby in Sparta, where Doris grew up. (Glen grew up in Baxter.) Harold Randolph was the best man and Dempsy Scott was the maid of honor at their ceremony. They moved to Cookeville where Glen worked at Kroger as head butcher for 46 years and Doris was a homemaker. They are the parents of Cindy
Phipps Johnson of Cookeville and Donna Phipps Crabtree-Fredrickson of Canada; and six grandchildren. They enjoy gardening, fishing, flowers and entering in the fair and are members of Cookeville Free Will Baptist Church. Since both were the “babies” of large families and “spoiled rotten,” they said they continued spoiling each other all these years. “We are not a perfect couple, but we never quit trying,” they said.
They met at church in Genevieve’s hometown of Valdosta, Ga. Cecil was in the Air Force stationed at Moody Field. “He walked me home from church,” Genevieve said. “We began dating in November 1942.” She said Cecil was “always punctual” and “always wore his uniform with pride and style.” After dating for seven months, the two were united in marriage on May 16, 1943, at First Baptist Church in Valdosta. “It was a simple war-time wedding on
Carl and Aileen Alred Carl and Aileen of Cookeville met in high school and started going to the skating rink on dates. They remained high school sweethearts for two years before their marriage on June 20, 1958. They were wed in a small family ceremony on the side of the road on the Putnam County
line. Together they had two children, Michael LeGary Alred of Cookeville and the now late Stephen Carl Alred; five grandchildren; and two greatgrandchildren. Carl worked at the Cookeville Electric Department, and Aileen
(Burton) Putman, Bruce (Jacqueline) Whittaker, Karen (Ray) Robinson and Brent Whittaker. They have six grandchildren and one great-grandchild, who really blesses their lives. They love to travel, love to collect junk, spend time with their grandchildren and enjoy friends and church family. They are members of Hampton’s Crossroads Baptist Church. “Never go to bed mad at each other,” they say. “Stay true to each other and love each other through thick or thin.”
65 Years
Cecil and Genevieve Jernigan
May 16, 1943
55 Years
Sunday afternoon,” Genevieve said. “My mother made my pretty navy blue suit.” Cecil grew up in Alabama and served in the Air Force 28 years before retiring in Miami, Fla. Gene was a high school substitute teacher for 20 years. While Cecil was in the Air Force, the family moved 28 times but lived in the same house for 38 years in Miami before moving to Cookeville. Their children are David Jernigan of Asheville, N.C., Carra McNelly of
March 20, 1947
69 Years Cookeville and the late Jeanne Prather. They have five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. They are members of First Baptist Church in Cookeville and enjoy gardening, walking, sewing, canning and their singing group. Their advice to couples striving for a long marriage is to “live one day at a time and always be thankful for your many blessings.” After being married nearly 70 years they say, “We still like each other!”
54 Years worked selling real estate. Now retired, the two enjoy traveling, going to church at Willow Avenue Church of Christ and spending time with family. “Our grandchildren are our lives,” they say. Their advice for a long, successful marriage is to not ever give up.
June 20, 1958
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Golden Anniversary J.R. and Juanita Nabors
Nov. 19, 1950
It was July of 1950, and Juanita and a friend had gone to the old Triangle Restaurant drive-in in Cookeville after work. J.R. and a friend happened to be there, too. “They came to our car,” Juanita recalled. “He begged his friend to get him a date with me.” Four and a half months later — on Nov. 19, 1950 — Juanita and J.R. were married. “It was very simple,” they said of their wedding, which was held at the home of Rev. A.M. Center on Buffalo Valley Road in Cookeville. “J.R.’s friend and Mrs. Center were the witnesses.”
Mike and Joy Callahan It all began when Joy invited Mike to a party following the junior class play. A year and a half later — on Dec. 28, 1962 — the Monterey high school sweethearts were married in Livingston. Joy grew up in Monterey, while Mike lived in many places because his
father was in the Navy. They have two children, Erik and Shane Callhan, both of Monterey; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. They are active members of Woodcliff Baptist Church in Monterey and have worked together since 1977 for
Two weeks after the wedding, J.R. left for the Army. He served in the Korean War and was wounded. J.R. grew up in Putnam County and has worked at H.G. Hill in Nashville, Pepsi and Coca-Cola. Juanita grew up in Putnam and Jackson Counties and has worked for the telephone company, Coca-Cola and was Putnam County clerk. During their brief courtship, Juanita remembers walking with a friend and “J.R. ran around us in circles on his motorcycle.” Their sons are Wayne Nabors of Cookeville and the late Anthony Ray
62 Years Nabors. They also have a grandchild. Since retiring, the couple enjoys reading, watching TV, some crafts, traveling and going to yard sales. J.R. is a licensed minister; they attend Rocky Point Baptist Church. The Nabors have loved each other more than 62 years and say they are “blessed beyond measure.” They encourage other couples striving to achieve 50 years of marriage to “be kind to each other, consider the other’s feelings, show your love and compliment each other.”
50 Years C E Designers, Inc., a design engineering firm started by Mike. Mike and Joy enjoy daily walks and vegetable gardening. Their advice to couples striving to achieve 50 years of marriage is to “love each other with passion and not want anyone else.”
Dec. 28, 1962
Meckie and Herta Oswald Meckie and Herta Oswald met in Poland as young children. Meckie, who is originally from Germany, and Herta who is from Latvia, then lost touch with each other until 1952 before they came to the U.S. “We met around August of 1952 and got engaged Christmas eve,” she recalled.
“We were married Feb. 14, 1953, in Chicago.” They have three children — Peter Oswald of Elgin, Fla.; Mike of Cookeville and Terry Oswald of Colorado, have four grandchildren and five greatgrandchildren. They were self-employed and retired from ATOM engineering.
60 Years “I like to knit,” Herta said. “We love being together 24/7.” They attend Heavenly Host Luthern Church and are more in love with each year. “Never go to bed mad at each other,” she said. “Always make up after a disagreement.”
Feb. 14, 1953
Ray and Sandra Box They met on a double date — but they weren’t with each other. Ray and Sandra Box then dropped their dates months later and started dating each other. A year and two months later, they were married. “We were married in my parents’ house in Trezevant, Tennessee,” Sandra recalled. “It was very special to us to have it at my parents’ house with family attending and Rev. Dennis Beals performing the ceremony.”
Their children are Rhonda Cunningham of Atwood, Tenn., Keishia Eubank of Tinley Park, Illinois, and the late Kenneth Box, who died at age 21. They have four grandchildren. They both grew up in West Tennessee and came here when a job opportunity with HH Compro and ITT opened up. They enjoy traveling, golfing and enjoying fellowship with friends. “We enjoy doing things together and we try to consider each other in what
53 Years we do and say.” They are members of the Caney Fork Baptist Church. They love the area, saying there is a lot of beautiful scenery, wonderful people and a loving church. Their advice for those wanting to reach the Golden Anniversary is this: “Keep God in your life, attend church on a regular basis and consider your mate’s feelings. Keep love in your marriage.”
Jan. 6, 1960
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Golden Anniversary William and Verna Rankin
May 13, 1948
“Always pull together” was the message the preacher had on William and Verna Rankin’s wedding day. The couple, who worked in the same bank, began dating in the late fall of 1945 by attending basketball games and movies. Two and a half years later, they were married, with a memorable proposal. “On Christmas Eve of 1947, at Bill’s sister’s house, he proposed and gave me an engagement ring in front of all his family,” Verna recalled. They were married in the Little Brown
Aaron and Vivian Stout They lived 100 miles apart, both raised on a farm and enjoy being together and helping others. That’s what Aaron and Vivian Stout of Sparta say is unique about their relationship. The two met through her sister. “He knew my sister and her husband and called my house to get directions,” she said. “I went with him to show him where they lived and that’s when we started dating.” Aaron lived in Nashville at the time while Vivian lived in Knoxville.
“That was before the Interstate, and it was a good half day drive,” she said. Five months later, she drove to Ringgold, Ga., to get married. “I drove to Ringgold from Florida, changed clothes at a motel, went to the courthouse and was married by the Justice of the Peace,” she said. They have one son, Trent Stout, who lives in Tullahoma and two grandchildren. “Aaron is from this area, and we believe God put us here.” He worked at a hair salon in McMinnville while Vivian worked with the state
Church in Nashoa, Iowa. “The pastor had us both take hold of the bell rope and pull in opposite directions. Nothing happened. Then we pulled together and rang the bell. He said to ‘always pull together.’” The two grew up in Maquoketa, Iowa. Bill worked for the U.S. Treasury and the IRS as an inspector, while Verna worked for banks until their first child was born in 1952. They ended up with two children — William Rankin III, who lives in Eldersburg, Maryland; and Sue Rankin-Lustre, who lives in Chattanooga. They have two grandchildren
department of health, where she retired from. “We love traveling, dancing, going to Bluegrass festivals and going to the senior citizen centers in Cookeville and Sparta.” They are members of First Baptist Church in Sparta. “Trust in God, attend church, keep a positive attitude, work out your differences and love each other with all your heart,” they tell couples who strive to make it to the 50 year mark. “You are soul mates.”
It began as “puppy love” in elementary school for James and Victoria Gist. At the time of their marriage-to-be, Victoria was only 14 years old. Her mother refused to sign for the two to marry unless they married on her birthday or waited another year. “We agreed and proceeded to go to the Putnam County courthouse for the license,” the couple recalls. “We got there only to find the courthouse was closed for the day. The only thing we could do was go to Livingston, only to find out that we had to marry in the county that we got the license in.” The person at the courthouse was determined to help them and called a Jus-
tice of the Peace, who was in bed sick, but “had us to come on over where he married us.” “Later, when we were properly dressed, we continued with our plans to be married by our minister friend, who only gave us six months and laughs even now and says we only stayed together to show him he was wrong,” they said. “But as we said our vows, we knew it was for good, for better or worse. Yes, we struggled...but by the grace of God, we have now been married 59 years, working on 60 and growing stronger.” They are the parents of Robert Gist and Robbie Gist, both of Algood,
Dale and Brenda Corbett Dale and Brenda met in England at a London dance while Dale — who grew up in Winters, Calif. — was serving in the Air Force in Suffolk. The couple dated for one year before they tied the knot June 27, 1959, in St. Paul’s Church in London where Brenda was christened.
and one great-grandchild. They came here when they saw a real estate ad. “The area is beautiful,” Verna said. “It’s not flat, has season, a great university and is friendly.” They enjoy participating in YMCA water aerobics program, the snak n yak and the lunch bunch. They attend Paran United Methodist, where they’ve been members for 34 years. “We don’t always agree, but we never stay angry,” she said.
51 Years
James and Victoria Gist
Nov. 2, 1953
64 Years
He later worked as the director of Kaiser Aerospace Electronics, and she worked in the Oak Grove School District of California. They have a son and daughter-in-law, Michael Corbett of Cookeville; and a daughter, Melissa Corbett Le May of Lake Stevens, Wash.; and three grandchildren. Dale
May 17, 1961
59 Years DeLecia Aghwacha and Angela Gist of Nashville and the late Deshun Lane. They also have eight grandchildren. Victoria worked at Tennessee Tech for nearly 41 years, with 30 of those being the chef. They enjoy gardening and camping and attend Trinity Assembly of God in Algood. “We vowed to believe none of what we hear,” they said. “To trust and walk in love toward one another, to be quick to forgive.” Their advice is to “put Christ — not the church, but Christ — first in your life. Listen to Him, obey Him and praise Him, not men.”
53 Years and Brenda moved to Cookeville in order to be closer to their son, Michael, his wife Christine, and their granddaughter. They enjoy reading, gardening, going to the movies and out on the pontoon boat. They are members of St. Thomas Aquinas in Cookeville.
According to them, what makes their relationship unique is the blending of their different backgrounds and a mutual love and respect. Their advice for a long and happy marriage is to love and support each other in good times and bad and to respect each other as individuals.
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Golden Anniversary Clyde and Artie Hassler 60 Years Clyde and Artie Hassler of Monterey have been married for 60 years. Their advice for a long and happy marriage? Couples should work together and neither one should always try to be the boss. The Hasslers have been mem-
bers of Sand Springs Baptist Church for three and a half years. They have four children: Jimmy Hassler, Johnny Hassler, Danny Hassler and Donnie Hassler, all of Monterey, five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. July 5, 1952
Carson and Anna Slagle 67 Years
May 22, 1959
Elmer and Faye McCowan 53 Years “Attend church, trust in God and pray every day” — that’s the advice Elmer and Faye McCowan offer couples striving to make it to 50 years of marriage. The Overton County natives were married May 22, 1959, in Anderson, Ind. Today, they live in Cookeville and have two children, Joey McCowan of Monterey and Randy McCowan of Rickman; five grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Elmer is retired from Berkline, and Faye is retired from the Overton County Board of Education (Rickman Elementary). They enjoy feeding the birds, gardening, working with flowers and listening to gospel music.
March 18, 1945
Carson and Anna Slagle met while going to school together and were wed on March 18, 1945, two years after they began dating. They’ve been married 67 years and have three daughters, Jo Ann Lucas of Michigan and Jean Dishman and Sue Kujawski, both of Cookeville; eight grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.
Carson retired from General Motors, and Anna has been a housewife. They live in Cookeville and have been members of Brotherton Free Will Baptist Church since 1986. Their advice to couples striving to achieve 50 years of marriage is to “have God in your lives.”
Charles and Lorene Walker 51 Years Charles and Lorene Walker have been married 51 years and now make their home in Livingston. They are the parents of Tamara Crowder of Livingston and the
late Steve Walker and have four grandchildren. Charles worked and retired from C&J Upholstery while Lorene worked and retired from WLIV radio station. Oct. 21, 1961
Freddie and Joyce James Freddie and Joyce grew up together in Lilly’s Chapel and Brown’s Ridge, and started dating when she was 18 and he was 17. “We couldn’t stay away from each other,” they say. After dating for about three years, they married in a short and sweet ceremony in Lacy Flower Shop.
They have six children: Sharon James, Sara Flatt, Karen Clark, Ray James, Mike James, Sandy Baker and Rita Hodgin; 13 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren. Freddie worked as a farmer and Joyce worked in Gordonsville in Welch County. Now they live in Sil-
50 Years ver Point. He enjoys fishing while she enjoys sewing, and they both enjoy watching TV. However, “We are getting too old, too fast!” they say. Their advice for a long and happy marriage is to love each other, enjoy your kids and get involved in church — and most of all, work for the Lord.
July 20, 1961
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Golden Anniversary Roy and Martha Vetitoe Roy and Martha met at a youth rally at Bethany Methodist Church on Sept. 7, 1957. “He was allowed to take me home,” Martha recalled. “He asked me to marry him the weekend we met. I didn’t know he was serious.” But Martha, who was 17 at the time and had just started her senior year at Baxter Seminary, had other plans before settling down. “He was 20 and already out of the Army,” she said. “He wanted to marry immediately, but I wanted to finish high school and Tennessee Tech first. “My mother, Lillian Winchester, kept telling me, ‘If he loves you, he’ll wait until you graduate.’ She was right.” Each time Roy wanted to set a date for the wedding, Martha would mention what needed to be done first for a “proper” wed-
ding at the Bethany church, which had just been rebuilt after being destroyed by a tornado. That list included building an altar, acquiring new pews and purchasing a new organ. “By going to summer school and taking 18-21 hours each quarter, I finished my B.S. degree in elementary education in three years — one week before our wedding,” Martha said. “And, yes, the church improvements were finished also.” On the day of the wedding — Dec. 26, 1961 — there had been a big snow with inlaws driving in from Michigan. (Roy had grown up in Smith County and Michigan.) The reception was at the bride’s home in Baxter. After their wedding, the Vetitoes lived and worked in Nashville 44 years — Roy owned his own construction company, and Martha
51 Years was a teacher — before moving back to Baxter in 2006 to take care of Martha’s mother. They have two sons, Brandon Vetitoe of Hermitage and Scott Vetitoe of Springfield; and four grandchildren. They enjoy traveling, volunteering at church camp, rehabbing houses and making quilts for hospice and nursing homes. They are members of Monterey Wesleyan Church and say they are still best friends and enjoy being together. “We have always supported and encouraged each other’s aspirations,” they said. They say the key to achieving 50 years of marriage is to “keep Christ first in your home.” “The days you just don’t like each other, stop and remember why you fell in love,” they said.
Fran and Jan Fritz
July 2, 1955
Fran and Jan Fritz met while students at Stout State College in Menomanie, Wis. “Well, he first asked my roommate to a dance he had to go to,” Jan recalls. “She turned him down, and he then asked me!” But it was meant to be, as two years later the two were married on July 2, 1955, in Darlington, Wis. “We had a small wedding at a Baptist church with punch and cake at the reception in the church’s basement,” Jan said. Fran grew up in Belleville, Wis., while Jan grew up in Darlington. They moved to Tennessee after Fran researched a place the size of Cookeville with a university — and “it was perfect,” they
Gordon and Gene Anne Hunter
Gene Anne later told Gordon that she never would have dated him again if he had tried to kiss her on their first date. Luckily he didn’t attempt it, though he did hold her hand. “We still hold hands a lot,” Gordon said. “We kiss a lot, too.” The pair first met at Mississippi College on the steps of the library — she was a new girl on campus and he was a two-year veteran on the first day of classes in September of 1954. They dated for 16 months before they married; however, when Gordon told Gene Anne’s father that he wanted to marry her, he replied, “You don’t think that will make me happy, do you?” They have three children, Morris Hunter of Franklin, Mark Hunter of Richmond, Ky., and Steven Hunter of Mount Juliet; seven grandchildren; and three grandchildren, and one more expected in March.
Over the years, Gene Anne has worked teaching Bible schools, as a waitress, as a high school English teacher in Guam, and a mother, wife and homemaker, as well as teaching an off-campus general psychology course for Tennessee Tech and working as an Algood school teacher and counselor. Gordon served in the Air Force during the Korean War as a ground radar instructor. Over the years he’s worked as a lumberjack, in a slaughter house, as a T.V. station cameraman, a church song leader, a waiter, spot welder, a high school science teacher in Guam, a junior high school science teacher, a biology professor at Murray State and TTU, and as a public school science teaching consultant in Putnam, Smith, DeKalb, Jackson and Van Buren Counties. Now the couple lives in Cookeville and enjoys travel, indoor and outdoor physical
Dec. 26, 1961
57 Years said. Fran was a teacher and middle school principal; Jan was a high school teacher and also taught preschool. They retired from Crystal Lake, Ill. Their children are Charles Fritz of Pelouer, Wis.; Paul Fritz of Stocton, Ill.; Amy Mengler of Crystal Lake, Ill.; and the late Bill Fritz, who lived in Sebalia, Mo. They have 15 grandchildren and nine great-granchildren (and one on the way). Jan plays the mountain dulcimer in a group and also the autoharp. Fran volunteers at church and is part of the Dipsy Doodle Gang. They are members of First United Methodist Church in
Cookeville and enjoy camping and going on mission trips in the Southern U.S. with “Nomads” from FUMC for the past 12 years. They say their relationship is unique because “we are friends and we’ve volunteered at Habitat for Humanity together for the past seven years.” Fran, who helps with painting and construction, was Volunteer of the Year in 2007. Jan volunteers for ReStore. Both went to Biloxi in 2008 with Habitat to rebuild after Hurricane Katrina. The key to achieving 50 years of marriage is to “have fun together, put up with each other and put Jesus as the head of the household!” they said.
57 Years activities, ping-pong and pop-a-shot, though Gene Anne always beats Gordon in pop-a-shot. Gene Anne also enjoys reading novels and books on race relations, autism and the learning handicapped. Gordon enjoys reading science books and magazines, writing, teaching and speaking. They have been members of Cookeville First Presbyterian U.S.A. for four years and were members of Cherry Creek Baptist Church for more than 30 years. “We are companions, confidants, lovers and best friends,” they say. “We share in everything — money, joys and sorrows.” Their advice for a long and happy marriage is to play childishly with each other frequently, and when you are angry with one another pretend you are angry and laugh about it when you kiss and make up. Don’t take forever to say you are sorry.
Dec. 20, 1955
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Golden Anniversary Morgan and Evelyn Medlin
Dec. 20, 1957
He went to the school library to check out some books — but got checked out himself. So says Morgan Medlin of the way he met his wife, Evelyn, who worked as a student aid in the library at Harding College in Searcy, Ark. They began dating in March 1957. “As he would say, ‘she asked me for the first date,’ but, of course, he never tells why,” Evelyn said. “The social club of which I was a member had a spring banquet to which you would ask a guy to be your escort. I chose to ask Morgan. (He did get a free meal.)” The coupled married on Dec. 20, 1957, on
Chip and Lori Pennington Chip and Lori Pennington’s story began at the Humpty Dumpty — a drive-in restaurant in Evansville, Indiana. The two now live in Monterey and have been married 50 years. “He grew up in Morgan County, Tennessee, while I grew up in Evansville,” Lori explained. “He was a paratrooper from Fort Campbell.” Following that meeting, which was in February of 1962, they went to see “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” “He asked me to marry him on our first date,” she recalled. “He also told me if I said no, he would never ask again. So I said okay.” They were married at Gethsame Baptist Church in Evansville.
“It was a small wedding. I had two attendants — my cousin and best friend. He had my brother and an Army buddy. My niece was the flower girl.” They are the parents of Kelli Rose, who lives in Murfreesboro; Jeff Pennington, who lives in Monterey; Amy Springs, who lives in Rockwood; Caleb Pennington, who lives in Oak Ridge; and Zeke Pennington, who lives in Nashville. They also have eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild. The two moved here to attend Tennessee Temple Bible College in Chattanooga, which got them involved in the mission field. “We were missionaries to the deaf in the
the Harding College campus in the “Small Auditorium” of the administration building. “It was during Christmas break,” Evelyn said. “He was a student then at Lexington Theological Seminary (in Kentucky), and I was working at Harding. It was a small wedding with families and close friends.” Morgan grew up on Shepherdsville Road in Jackson County; Evelyn is a native of Texarkana, Texas. He has been a pulpit minister for nine churches in Kentucky, Tennessee and Georgia, while Evelyn worked as the church secretary.
Philippines,” she said. “We started churches for the deaf in Georgia, Tennessee and Virginia.” Chip is retired from Container Corp. in Chattanooga while she is retired from Head Start in Harriman. “We enjoy fishing, four-wheeling, sewing and gardening,” they said. Currently, they are members of First Baptist Church in Monterey. He teaches the older men’s classes while she teaches 3rd-5th grade girls classes. They advise couples who strive to achieve 50 years of marriage to listen to each other. “Be willing to put your wants (and sometimes needs) second. Pray for your mate.”
The year 1949 got off to a good start for Thomas and Dorothy Nixon. They had attended a New Year’s Eve party at church and then went on to watch a movie in Cookeville. It was their first date — which led to 62 years of marriage. Tom and Dot both grew up in Lancaster, Smith County, where they attended high school together. Dot worked at a local grocery store, and Tom would pick her up from work every day. They married on May 20, 1950, at the home of a local pastor. “Marriage is an enjoyable experience,” they say. “It takes a total commitment of both par-
Randall and Marilyn Cross First, they were dancing partners. That first dance led to a life partnership. Randall Cross was a senior and Marilyn was only a freshman at their school in Byrdstown. At that time, the science teacher had some free time in her classes so she taught dance. When Randall graduated and went to Indiana for several months, the two wrote each other letters every day. Marilyn still has those love letters to this day. In early 1956, Randall returned to Byrdstown and started working at the shirt factory. Only about 15 months after they first met, the couple married in the summer between Marilyn’s sophomore and junior years.
Their wedding took place June 9, 1956, in Byrdstown. Randall traveled to Albany, Kentucky, to take a blood test and came back to Byrdstown. A justice of the peace performed the ceremony. Marilyn was 15 at the time. Randall was 18. “We started out so young,” she said. “But we made it. No running home to mama and daddy.” Both of them worked at the shirt factory, with Randall moving up to a management position. They have two children, Bob Cross and his wife Jane, and Mickie Cross, all of Cookeville. They also have two grandchildren.
Since retiring from Columbus, Ga., Morgan enjoys reading and listening to music (mainly classical), and Evelyn enjoys gardening with an emphasis on roses. They have been members of Willow Avenue Church of Christ for about six years. They say their relationship is unique because Morgan always gets the last words — “Yes, dear.” And if Evelyn says “jump,” Morgan asks “how high?” Their advice to other couples for a long marriage: “Don’t stay mad. Understand that it is a life-long commitment, so be sure to look long and hard before jumping into marriage.”
50 Years
Thomas and Dorothy Nixon
May 20, 1950
55 Years
ties, but it needs a strong foundation beginning with love and faith in God.” After serving two years in the Army, Tom came to Cookeville to go into business with his brother, Beverly (Pappa) Nixon, at the Nixon Bros. Esso, Shell and Mobil service stations from 1954 to 1989. Dot has been a secretary at Tech Training (Tech campus) Elementary School and payroll clerk for the Putnam County Board of Education. Since their retirement, they enjoy traveling, short hikes in the woods, bird watching, gardening, woodworking, quilting and being with their grandchildren. They are also sports enthusiasts who enjoy Tech basketball, NASCAR,
June 16, 1962
62 Years Titans and college football. They love their church and church family at First Baptist Church in Cookeville, where they have been members since 1954. Tom and Dot were active supporters of Little League Baseball in the 1960s. (Tom was league president when the Jere Whitson ballfield complex was built.) Tom and Dot have two children, Wayne (and Marsha) Nixon of The Woodlands, Texas, and David (and Gloria) Nixon of Cookeville; eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. They say “devotion and total trust in each other along with their love for family and God” make their relationship unique.
56 Years “We have raised two very good Christian children that were never in any trouble (that we know of),” Marilyn said. The couple now attends Bloomington Church of Christ in Byrdstown where they have been members for more than 50 years. Randall owns Cross Reality and Cross Farms Boat Storage and the couple love sot attend shows at the Cumberland County Playhouse. What would they tell other couples striving to achieve 50 years of marriage? “Always be true to each other, love each other, be patient, get into a good church, and stay active in the activities of the church.”
June 9, 1956
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Golden Anniversary Ralph and Tootsie Dunn
Dec. 23, 1958
She was walking to church with a group of friends when he offered to give her a ride. “She didn’t accept the first time,” Ralph Dunn admits. “I didn’t give up.” Ralph and Tootsie grew up in Putnam County, south of Cookeville, in the Burgess and Red Boiling Springs communities. Eventually he won her over and the couple dated for more than three years before marying. “There were no phones of any kind,” Ralph said. “You had to always keep your date, when expected.” Their wedding took place Dec. 23, 1958, at the home of a minister while Ralph was home
Grady and Patt Judd He was her brother’s friend at Monterey High School, but Patt says she was in love with Grady Judd from the day they first met. Grady was in the U.S. Army serving in Germany. He sent Pat’s parents a Christmas card from Germany and Pat began sending him letters. In 1959 they began dating and eventually married on June 3, 1961. It would seem Pat’s parents knew from the start that the Monterey natives had something special. Before they tied the knot, the couple took a trip to Illinois with Pat’s brother and sister-in-law and Pat’s parents
thought they had “ran off” and got married. Two years after they began dating, the couple was officially married at the Smyrna Church of Christ while Grady was on leave from the Army. Pat wore a borrowed wedding dress and Beverley Young was her maid-of-honor. The late Bill Wash of Kentucky served as Grady’s best man. Grady retired from the Army and Pat worked at a local shoe store. The couple both retired from Potter’s Hardware. They are the parents of Cheryl J. Allen of Cookeville; Johnny Judd of Cooperas Cove, Texas; and William Judd of Rich-
on a 14-day leave from the Army. It was a simple ceremony with only one witness and a minister. “Our commitment to each other was to love and be together until death do us part,” Ralph said. “So far, so good.” While Tootsie was a homemaker, raising the couple’s two children, Cindy Smith and Jennifer Daughrity, while Ralph spent 32 years working at the Coca-Cola Company and 16 years working for Woodmen of the World. They have been members of the Samaria Church of Christ on Burgess Falls Road for more than 50 years.
mond, Virginia. They have one grandchild. Their hobbies include reading, quilting, and watching westerns. Together they love to work in their church, Holladay Church of Christ where they have been members since 2003 and work in the yard and garden together. “Strive to keep God as the third partner in your relationship and keep the knot tied tight and secure,” they say. They also tell other couples to “love and respect each other; be patient and willing to listen to one another and be willing to help each other.”
It was a Livingston Saturday night in October 1956. Max had his favorite parking spot on the courthouse square, but a pair of sisters talked him out of it — in exchange for a date with one of them. “It was my sister’s (Ruby Sells) favorite spot also,” Edith said. “She tried talking him out of the spot, and they finally reached an agreeable settlement — he would give her his parking space if she would get him a date with me.” The next Saturday night was their first date. “But we soon began making longer-range plans,” Edith said. “I was a senior at Livingston Academy, and Max was working for Bob Upchurch for $35 a week. Somehow, we didn’t think that getting married in that situation was
Charles and Lounola Warren A rejection at a Halloween party didn’t deter Charles Warren from pursuing Lounola. A week after she denied his initial request to take her home, she said yes to attending a ball game with him, and they’ve been together ever since. That all happened in 1953. Two years later, they were married. “We planned on getting married in Overton County, but we got our license in Putnam, so we drove back over the county line and got married,” she said. “All my family was present — my mom, dad and six sisters.”
They both grew up in Overton County and eventually had three children — Sandra Amindice and Ronda Lou Warren Harris, both of Monterey, and the late Warren Wilson. They have five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Charles was self-employed at C&L Maintenance and Lounola was also self-employed at Noble’s Beauty Salon in Dayton, Ohio. After moving back to Tennessee, Charles got his license to be an electrician and builder. “We love to camp, boat and travel and tak-
Since retiring, they enjoy gardening and working in the yard. They also go to garage sales and household auctions together often and list giving advice to their children and grandchildren (which they now have four of, “without them asking.”) When it comes to their relationship with each other, the two focus on showing love and respect 100 percent of the time and never putting each other down. “We tried to never get angry, both at the same time- didn’t always work,” Ralph said. But the couple is thankful for the loving relationship they have enjoyed all these years.
51 Years
Max and Edith Robbins
July 28, 1957
54 Years
a very good idea.” And so Max went to Battle Creek, Mich., to put in job applications and was hired by Ralston Purina in February. Then on July 28, 1957, Max and Edith were married at Alpine Presbyterian Church with Rev. Frank Turnbull performing the service. The maid of honor was Marie Norrod McMillen; Bill (Seymore) Barnes was the best man. The wedding reception was at the home of the bride’s sister and brother-in-law, Madge and Cecil Norrod. Max, son of Herman and Mabel Robbins, grew up in the Oak Grove area. Edith grew up in Alpine; her parents were Frank and Elma Smith. After their wedding, they made their home in
June 3, 1961
55 Years Augusta, Mich., for 50 years. Max worked at Ralston Purina for 36 years and spent two years in the military. Edith worked for Calhoun County Public Schools for 30 years. Max and Edith have two children, Kevin and wife Donna Robbins of Providence, N.C., and Karen and husband David Newkirk of Allen, Texas; four grandchildren; and a great-granddaughter. They are members of Alpine Presbyterian Church and enjoy going to flea markets and yard sales, reading, quilting and loved traveling. “To achieve 50 years of marriage, we agree that there must be a lot of love, respect and trust,” they said. “Treat each other as if you were best friends.”
57 Years ing care of our great-grandson,” she said. They are members of Monterey Church of Christ — since 1962 — and always put God first in life. “Over the years, we have never missed taking a vacation together,” she said. “We love our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The beach is our favorite vacation spot, along with Dale Hollow Lake.” They have always worked hard, played hard and enjoy life to the fullest. Their advice is to always be faithful to each other. “God will take care of everything else.”
May 14, 1955
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Golden Anniversary Glenn and Judy Ramsey
Sept. 1, 1962
It was a love that blossomed amidst the smell of honeysuckles for a couple of high school sweethearts. “The honeysuckle, of course, is our favorite flower,” Judy said. “It smelled so sweet to us during our dating.” Glenn and Judy Ramsey met while going to school events together. He asked if he could sit with her and walk her home after school. He gave Judy and a friendship ring and won Teddy bears for her at the fair by playing basketball. When Judy moved away with her parents to Detroit, Mich., “true love” began when Glenn traveled from the country to call Judy long-distance from a pay phone in Baxter. They also sent love letters to each other through the summer. That fall, Judy’s family returned to Tennessee to live on a farm in another county, with Glenn visiting on Saturdays to date Judy. The two became engaged in col-
Mike and Kay Detwiler Not only did Mike have to miss his wedding rehearsal, causing his father to have to stand in as the groom during the practice ceremony with Kay, but he and his best man were stopped for speeding on the way from Louisville, Ky., to the wedding itself in Cincinnati. Mike tried to tell the officer he was on the way to his wedding; however, the officer did not believe him — no one answered the phone at the church — and he and his best man were taken to the sheriff’s office to pay the ticket. He ended up being delayed for at least three hours. After Mike and Kay finally got to say their vows, they, being big Ohio fans, spent the night watching the NCAA Basketball final game between the University of Cincinnati and Ohio State University from their hotel bed in Cincinnati. They also did not get a honeymoon because Mike had to return to work on Monday. The couple actually started dating thanks to their parents. Both of their fathers worked for the same company in Cincinnati and were complaining one day about how their
college-age children were dating people they didn’t like. So they made the plan to bring Mike and Kay together at a wedding and reception. Mike and Kay had met before in passing, but this time they really noticed each other. After that, they dated on and off for about 19 months, to their parents’ delight — even though Kay’s parents were at first taken aback by Mike’s strange-looking “car of many colors” that was composed of a variety of mismatched junkyard parts and a hole in the floorboard. Many of the couple’s dates were to go dancing at Moonlight Gardens in Cincinnati, where famous bands would play each weekend. They finally tied the knot March 24, 1962, and have a son and daughter-in-law, Michael Jr. and Shawn Detwiler of Cookeville; two daughters and a son-in-law, Susan Dalton and Karen and Robert Brown, all of Cookeville; and eight grandchildren, all of Cookeville. Mike worked in management at Gould, later renamed Tutco, where he became vice president of sales and marketing. Kay has worked as a teacher. She also worked for the
lege, having dated three years before marrying on Sept. 1, 1962, at Samaria Church of Christ. “The morning of the wedding, my 8-year-old sister, who was to be the flower girl, got a black eye by running and falling while playing with a visiting cousin,” Judy recalled. “She was, however, able to perform her duty during the wedding.” Next, the preacher came to Judy, asking where his boutonniere was. Finally, a flower was found, after which the wedding “was completed beautifully.” Glenn grew up in the Double Springs community; Judy has lived in the Thomas community of Putnam County as well as Detroit and Sparta. Today, the Ramseys live in Cookeville, where Glenn is vice president of Tennessee Bible College, and Judy is retired as an engineering secretary from Delman Company. They have two children, Connie McHenry
City of Cookeville planning office and in 1982 began working for the State Planning Office, part of the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development. Both retired in 2000. Kay is involved in the Putnam County Planning Commission, the Cookeville Board of Zoning Appeals and the Board of Directors for Stonecastle timeshare at Fairfield Glade. They spend their time traveling, boating, golfing and spending time with their grandchildren. Kay says her two favorite words to hear from her husband are, “Yes, dear.” Their advice for a long and happy marriage is to be patient and flexible and discuss and make decision together. They believe it is important to choose your battles and to give in on little things. When angry, take a deep breath and choose your words carefully. Compliment and show frequent affection to your spouse, and say, “I love you,” often. They also point out that it is important to share the TV remote. “Besides being your partner and lover, your spouse should be your best friend,” they add.
Nancy remembers the exact day she met the love of her life, Fred. The two were in the Navy and stationed in Charleston, S.C. “I, a girl born in Owensboro, Ky., arrived in Charleston, S.C., my first duty station, in the spring of 1962,” Nancy said. “Fred, a boy from Wintersville, Ohio, also arrived in Charleston to be stationed aboard the USS Sennett. He went to sea the day he arrived. The Sennet returned to its home port in Charleston June 29, 1962.” It was on that day that Nancy and her roommate, Barbara, decided to go out for some fun. “When we would go out, we would give fake names to the sailors we met — she would be Marilyn Taylor, and I would be Liz Monroe,” she said. On this evening, they ended up at the Enlistment Men’s Club, which was “a nice place for servicemen and women to go” to enjoy a live band and dancing. “Several guys came to our table and would ask us to
Jerry and Nella Dean Hutchison They met on a blind date — and have been together ever since. Jerry, who grew up in the Martins Creek area, and Nella Dean Hutchison, from Boiling Springs, were married 50 years ago on Jan. 5, 1963. They tied the knot at Gordonsville
Bank, which is where the preacher worked. “We just got married — no money for the wedding,” Dean said. Jerry has been self-employed with Bussell Construction; Dean is retired from Wilson Sporting Goods. They enjoy fishing and gardening.
of Moss and Chad Ramsey of Tupelo, Miss., and five grandchildren. Glenn’s hobbies include hunting and playing golf, while Judy enjoys knitting, crochet and is in the FCE (Family, Communication and Education) program. They enjoy traveling together, eating at favorite restaurants and visiting their children and grandchildren. They also enjoy making music together, he on the guitar, banjo and harmonica and she on the accordion. They are lifelong members of the church of Christ who “seek the best for each other” and describe themselves as “a very happy, blessed couple living on their farm in Putnam County.” Their advice to couples striving to achieve 50 years of marriage is to “be devoted to one another, share, cooperate and be kind to each other” and “never let the sun go down upon your wrath.”
50 Years
Fred and Nancy England
Sept. 3, 1962
50 Years
dance,” Nancy said. “We mostly said ‘no thank you,’ but once in a while if it was a slower song, we would accept.” A few tables away, they noticed one sailor kept looking their way. After a while, he came over. His name was Fred, and he wanted to know Nancy’s name. “I told him my name was ‘Liz’. He asked me to dance, but since it was a fast song, I said thank you, but no,” she said. “He went back to his table, but once in a while, I saw him glance our way. I later learned that he had told his shipmates, ‘See that girl over there, the blond one? I’m going to marry her!’” The night ended in a slow dance between the two. “All was going quite well when all of a sudden, he held me extra tight, bent his head down and tried to kiss me right there on the dance floor,” Nancy said. “That earned him a smack across the face and a sharp ‘no!’ and I left him standing on the dance floor all alone.” The next day, Fred called to apologize, and Nancy decided
March 24, 1962
50 Years to give him another chance. A date followed. Then, after knowing each other about four weeks, Fred proposed on the beach. They were married five weeks later on Sept. 3, 1962, at the base hospital. Fred and Nancy are the parents of Tammy Qualls of Livingston, Wendy England and Jenny Kail, both of Cookeville, and have seven grandchildren and five greatgrandchildren. Their advice for married couples is to “treat your man like a king, even when he doesn’t act like one. The more you treat him like a king, the more he’ll become your king. Treat your woman like a queen and, she, too, will become more and more your queen.” They also say marriage is like a birthday cake: “To enjoy it the most you need some cake (everyday living) and a little frosting (romance and passion). Too much cake without frosting is very boring. Too much frosting by itself will make you sick. Find your perfect balance.”
50 Years Their children are Rhonda Chaffin and Shelly Christian, both of Cookeville. They have four grandchildren, too. Jerry and Dean say the key to achieving 50 years of marriage is to “threaten that whomever leaves has to take the kids.”
Jan. 5, 1963
HERALD-CITIZEN, Cookeville, Tenn. — www.herald-citizen.com — Thursday, February 14, 2013 — A-23
Golden Anniversary David and Pauline Johnson
Dec. 18, 1949
After 63 years of marriage, David and Pauline Johnson are still in love. The couple began dating in 1945. They met while riding bicycles with a group of young people on a Sunday afternoon. “David rode his bicycle to my house,” Pauline recalled. “He got his first car, a used Chevy, when he was 18 in 1947.” Four years later, they were married in Poplar Grove Baptist Church. “It was a small, private wedding with our best friends, Reba McKinley Roberson and Charles Cumby as attendants,” Pauline said. “We were married by Rev. I.G. Rogers. We
Eugene and Joyce LaFever It all began with a kick in the foot by his future sister-in-law — along with “a good talking to about boys.” The story begins at the Princess Theater in January 1952. “In the Princess Theater, I saw my future wife, Joyce Marie Bennett, and her sister, Lottie, standing in front of the theater waiting to get in,” Eugene LaFever recalled. “We watched each other and talked a little while. We sat together that night. My future mother-in-law came into the show and took Joyce home because a bad storm was coming. On the way home that night, Joyce’s mother gave her a good talking to about boys.” He also recalled how Joyce’s sister came up to him shortly after their first meeting, kicked him in the foot and said, “Well, there she is.” “So this country boy asked her (Joyce) into the show for our first date. We sat together that night and watched a Roy Rogers movie, “Don’t Fence Me In.’ Well, part of it anyway. A lot of kissing went on in that theater you know! That night, I walked her home and the rest is history.” At that time, he was 18 and didn’t have a car, so he walked 12 miles just to see her.
“Once Joyce’s dad, Hobart Bennett, commented that, ‘I love your momma as well as any man could love a woman, but I do not think I would walk that far!’” Eugene said. “Now I did disappoint her one time. I gave her a birthstone ring for her birthday and she was expecting an engagement ring. She told me then we would get married anyway. I bought her engagement ring and wedding band the night before we were married.” There was a bit of an age difference — Joyce was 16 and Eugene was 19. The legal age was 18 to get married in Tennessee, so Joyce told the judge she was 18. “Now everyone knew at that time you could go to Georgia without proof of age and get married,” he said. “The judge did ask who would verify Joyce’s age and she pointed to Thomas Ramsey and said ‘my brother.’ The only problem was Thomas was not her brother! He was my best friend. I think the judge probably knew that, but we pulled it off anyway.” They have four children, Timothy LaFever, Danny LaFever, Jacqueline LaFever and Tony LaFever, all of Cookeville, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Eugene has worked for Chrysler in Detroit and retired from
spent our honeymoon at the Andrew Jackson Hotel in downtown Nashville. The hotel room was $7 a night.” They have two children, Deborah Johnson and Mark Johnson, both of Cookeville, and two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. David worked at Fleetguard for 25 years and Pauline worked for the State of Tennessee for 27 years. “We enjoy gardening, antique shopping and workshop,” she said. They have been members of the Caney Fork Baptist Church for 63 years.
Bob Hill Body Shop. Joyce has worked at the Cookeville Shirt Factory and Russell Stover’s Candies. He loves painting, woodworking and has restored a 1949 Chevy Coupe. Joyce is “a wonderful cook” and enjoys gardening, preserving food and quilting. They enjoy visiting Gatlinburg and recently joined Trinity Assembly in Algood. Eugene has a lot of advice for couples who wish to make it to 50 years or more of marriage: “Love each other. Don’t just say it, really love each other. For better or worse means just that — for better or worse. You work through it all. The good and the bad. Don’t take each other for granted. There is no promise of tomorrow. “Keep God at the center of your life and your marriage... Whatever you do, just remember this person is your partner in life, your spouse, parent to your children, the one who takes care of you when you’re sick, the one who holds your hands when you’re down, your lover and your best friend. They deserve nothing but the highest level of respect and admiration. And did I say love each other? Love each other as Christ loved us.”
Come midnight, Frank and Rama Howard will celebrate 67 yeras of marriage. “He saw me walking down the street while sitting in a car and fell in love at 17,” Rama recalled. And there’s only one story of courtship. “Four young people planned to see the ‘Grand Ole Opry’ in Nashville,” she said. “We traveled in his mom’s car, which he learned to drive at 12 years of age. He had driven with his mom through Nashville at age 12. The tires on the car were not good. They were hard to come by and it was so soon after World War II. At 4 a.m., we had 12 flat tires. We returned home never arriving at the ‘Grand Ole’ Opry.’ We have a can of the tire patch that was used to repair the tires at that time.” The two, both from White County, dated approximately one year before getting married. He walked
Clarence and Sarah Ward
“Stay true to each other” — it’s sound advice from a couple who has done just that for 73 years. Clarence and Sarah Ward, who grew up in Algood, met on the road from church and were married a year later
on Sept. 3, 1939, at the Spring House belonging to the Talent family. He has worked as a janitor at Tennessee Tech University, and she has cleaned houses. They have been members of Brotherton Free Will
“We still honor our wedding vows, ‘To love and cherish till death do us part.’ We have been married 63 years. We are 83 years old and still in love.” Their advice for other couples is to trust in God for daily guidance in your marriage. “Work hard, love life and each other. Enjoy the beautiful nature of Tennessee together.” They celebrated their 50th anniversary with a cruise to Alaska. “We enjoy spending time with our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. We also have a black lab who loves to eat Cheerios with us for breakfast.”
60 Years
Frank and Rama Howard
Feb. 14, 1946
63 Years
many miles in the rain to keep the dates, as he didn’t own a car. “Due to a law in Tennessee, couples under the age of 18 were not permitted to get married. So we chose to go to Georgia, even though our parents knew we were going — and they weren’t happy about it,” she said. “Two couples (the girls were cousins) left Tennessee after their work shifts at 3:30 p.m. The girls dressed in matching suites (the couple older than us) and looked for a Justice of the Peace on the Georgia line. It was about 11 p.m. and there it was — the welcome sign beckoning us — in Ringgold, Ga., a little white cottage. We knocked on the door and an older man appeared in his robe. He told us we needed a witness. He called his wife, who also appeared in a robe and gown. The two couples are married in one ceremony. By the time it’s over, it’s Feb. 15 by 10 min-
Dec. 22, 1952
67 Years utes. We all returned to Chattanooga to spend the rest of the night. To our shock, we must prove that we are married. Out comes the marriage certificate. Now, after all these years, some happy, some sad, we’re still together.” They have two children, three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He retired from Russell Stover Candies as a tool maker and she worked in retail sales. “We traveled some until health problems moved in,” she said. “Now we play cards with friends.” They both work hard to keep the yard very nice. “He still mows lawns as a paying hobby,” she said. She earned accreditation in horticulture from Tennessee Tech at age 60. “We were too stubborn to give up and divorce wasn’t looked upon as a good thing,” she said.
73 Years Baptist Church for more than 50 years. They live in Cookeville and have two children, Margia Kowalski and Justice Ward; five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Sept. 3, 1939
A-24 — HERALD-CITIZEN, Cookeville, Tenn. — www.herald-citizen.com — Thursday, February 14, 2013
Golden Anniversary Philip and Shirley Smith
Jan 29, 1954
They met as fellow workers in the dining Hall at Pepperdine University in September 1951. A little over two years later — on Jan. 29, 1954 — Philip and Shirley were married in Highlands, Calif. They say the key to staying together more than 50 years is to “marry someone who has patience.” Philip grew up in Twenty Nine Palms, Calif., while Shirley has roots in South California and Susanville. Today, they live in Cookeville, where they attend Colonial Heights Church of Christ. They have two children, Edward Smith of Paris, Tenn., and Corrine Garrison of Cookeville, and seven grandchildren. Both worked at West Chester University in Pennsylvania. They have also worked in Japan; Philip was a foreign language teacher and had to translate for Shirley.
59 Years
Since retiring, they enjoy amateur radio, traveling and being involved with the Putnam County Master Gardeners. They also enjoy Scottish clans and Highland games. They say their interest in Scotland and church make their relationship unique. As they think back to their wedding day 59 years ago, they remember that it was “a very foggy night” with friends driving in from miles away to the wedding at Shirley’s aunt’s house. “Our singer arrived so late she only had a few minutes to practice with a pianist she had never met!” they recall. What’s more, Shirley had given Phil’s ring to her sister to take care of, “but we forgot to bring it with us to the wedding location 500 miles away! We went to a dime store to buy a substitute.” The couple had planned for 28 guests, but 50 came to wish the couple well.
To prevent anything from happening to their borrowed car, they parked at a neighbor’s house. “We had to go through the goat yard and over a fence in our honeymoon clothes,” they said. Then they went on to a nearby motel advertising TV but found that the TV was only in the office, not in their room. School friends drove the newlyweds back to school for class on Monday. “We stopped by one friend’s home for coffee,” they said. While there, Shirley was asked to make coffee but had “no idea” how. However, the bride was rescued by her new husband, who had worked at the student soda fountain. “Believe it or not, we have had bad weather on our anniversary ever since we were married,” they said. “Rain, snow, ice, wind — and this year we had a tornado! That’s a first!”
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