Vdeo: Okolona Couple Enjoys 68th Valentine’s Day Together

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OKOLONA, Miss. (WCBI) – A Chickasaw County couple is spending their 68th Valentine’s Day together.

It’s not often you meet someone who’s been married for 66 years, but Jessie and Earlene Stevens make it look easy.

“Oh it’s wonderful, joyful,” Earlene said. “Good to be married that long.”

The couple met in Okolona when Jessie was visiting from Georgia. He’s been here to stay ever since.

After about two years of dating, they got married on December 22, 1947.

“I just thank the Lord that I’m still able to move around and be with my wife and children, so that’s a blessing,” Jessie said.

They have five children, 12 grandchildren, and 24 great grandchildren.

The couple says it’s their faith that has kept them together.

“But you give and you take,” Earlene said. “You can’t just be good always, you’re going to have some ups and downs.”

The couple’s children and grandchildren say they admire their relationship.

“I think it’s an encouragement for myself, ’cause you know in this day and age around the time that I live, you don’t see people married for that long,” said granddaughter Mahogany Stevens.

“Being patient with each other and enjoying things together – it’s a mark for us,” said daughter Vera Mitchell.

Jessie and Earlene say in marriage you go through a lot, but the key is to stick together.

“It takes two, you know, but if one tries to go one way, and the other the other way, it’s not going to work,” Jessie said.