Celebrating a Life Together

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – A Mantachie couple reached a milestone in their marriage, one that friends and family thought should be celebrated.

Every anniversary is special for a couple, and the Cockrell’s celebrated 70 years of life together.

Their story is one out of a story book, and they were more than happy to share with those who would listen.

Many love stories begin with how the couple met.

Some say high school, some say college, and some say church.

For Clifton and Kathryn Cockrell, their story began before all of that.

“We grew up together; we were neighbors,” said Clifton. “And we played together when we were kids. They lived about 200 yards from my house, and every day she’d come out in the yard and wave at me and I’d wave back.”

Clifton served in World War II, and during his time overseas, Kathryn would cross his mind.

“Every once in a while, I’d think about her because I wondered how she’d look now,” said Clifton. “Well, we got to writing letters after I was in the army a good while.”

After returning from war, Clifton worked for Kathryn’s dad, and before too long made Kathryn his wife.

“We got married on March 13th, but everybody said 13 is unlucky. It will never last,” Kathryn said with a chuckle.

But 70 years later, their marriage stands strong.

Those who know the Cockrell’s thought this kind of a milestone deserved recognition.

“When he told us we are going to be married for 70 years in March, I said oh my goodness, we’ve got to do something for you people,” said Lil Nelson.

The Cockrell’s children, relatives, and friends from all over were contacted to attend the celebration.

All reflected on the influence they have as a couple.

“Oh! It’s wonderful! It’s just wonderful. He just loves that little lady to death,” exclaimed Nelson.

Their daughter, Sheila Lockwood, talked about the many trips and adventures her family shared growing up.”

“It’s doing things together as a family,” said Lockwood. “I try to pass that on to the children. You know, let’s go fishing, let’s go do something different. Let’s have a new experience, so that’s what we try to do.”

“It makes you really happy to know that you have lived that kind of life in front of them,” said Kathryn.

The Cockrell’s children said every day with them is a gift, and they hope to be celebrating 71 years together this time next year.