Rev. Edward J. and Glossie Mae Earl of Brookhaven will celebrate their 63rd wedding anniversary on May 15. Mr. Earl is retired from the Coca-Cola plant and Mrs. Earl works at Mullins cafeteria.

The Earls have nine children: Danny Diggs, Paula Smith, Dianne Harris, Gloria Combre, Steve Earl, James Earl, Jerry Earl, Bruce Earl and Mae McDaniel; 20 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.

“We are grateful to be together for 63 years,” said Rev. Earl. “Even though people said we wouldn’t make it, by the grace of God we are still in love. She is my queen.”

“He is my king,” Mrs. Earl said, “and we love each other more now than then. What a blessing from God.”