Seventy Years Later and Still in Love

     Today is a very special day for an extraordinary couple.

      It was only 70 years ago today on August 6, 1947 that they said, “I do,” in Ludowici, Georgia.  And apparently they meant it because they are celebrating 70 years of wedded bliss. Yes, Nathaniel Carter and Josie Thomas Carter have been married for 70 short years.

     According to Psalm 90:10,  it gives us 70 years to live (“The days of our lives are seventy years; and if by reason of strength they are eighty year”).   Not only have they lived 70 years and beyond, they have been married 70 years.

     The year 1947, was the year  gasoline was 15 cents a gallon; the cost of  a new house  was  $6,600.00; the average wages per year  were $2,850.00; average cost of a new car was $1,300.00; loaf of bread 13 cents; and United States postage stamp was 3 cents (http://www.thepeoplehistory.com).  The New York Yankees also won the World Series that year.

      Josie Thomas Carter was born on December 24, 1926 in Wilkinson County, Georgia. At a very early, her family relocated to Wayne County where she attended Wayne County Industrial School Nursing and Secretarial programs.  Nathaniel  Carter was born September 4, 1923, in Long County, Georgia. He attended Ludowici Junior High School and Brunswick Vocational School.

      After marriage, they settled in Long County and Mrs. Carter worked at Walker High School in Ludowici, Wayne Memorial Hospital in Jesup, Georgia; Liberty Memorial Hospital in Hinesville, Georgia; and the Post Exchange at Fort Stewart, Georgia.  Mr. Carter worked civil service at Fort Stewart with the Directorate of Engineers for 36 years, then 10 years non-appropriated funds at Arts and Crafts with the Directorate of Community Activities and Services at Fort Stewart.

     “One of the things I love the most about him is that he has always been a great provider and worked diligently on every assignment during his employment at Fort Stewart, Georgia,” said Mrs. Carter.  For her 90thbirthday last year, he bought her a 2017 Chevrolet Equinox.

     Mr. Carter said what he loves most about his wife is that she is loving.  “She is also a fantastic cook, and has always there when you need her,” he said.

     The Carters have some simple advice for couples who want to enjoy a long marriage.  She advises them to live for the Lord.  Mr. Carter encourages them to attend school as much as possible in order to get a good job. 

     Mr. and Mrs. Carter have always been very faithful and dedicated to their family, church, jobs, and community.  Dea Carter (who is affectionally  known  as “Mr. Toby”)  is recognized throughout Long County and surrounding counties for professional television repair work.  

      Mrs. Carter is a member of Full Gospel Tabernacle Church of God in Christ in Hinesville.  She serves as a missionary.  Dea. Carter is a member of St. Phillip Baptist Church in Ludowici, where he serves on the deacon’s ministry and has served as deacon board chairman.  Currently, he serves as church treasurer and is the oldest member of the church. His favorite verse is John 3:16, while Missionary Carter says the whole bible is her favorite.

    Because of their commitment and service to mankind, the Carters have been recognized and honored on many occasions.  One of Dea. Carter’s greatest honors was serving as the 2016 Grand Marshall of the Martin Luther King Jr., Parade in Long County.  As a World War II veteran, his name is also engraved on the Long County Veterans Memorial,  in Friendship Park located in Ludowici.

    Dea. Carter also received a plaque for 85 years of service with his church  and many other certificates from his church.  In 2004, St. James Missionary Baptist Church in Ludowici presented him with an award for 45 years as the business owner of Carter’s Electronic and TV Repair.

    He also received numerous Department of the Army Certificates of Achievement for his outstanding performance of duty while working at Fort Stewart. In 1992, he received the Department of the Army Certificate of Recognition for 45 years of service in the Government.  Dea. Carter also  received recognition from the Coastal Georgia Center for Continuing Education in Customer Relations.

     Missionary Carter has been recognized as a Cub Scouts Den Mother, Outstanding Evangelistic  Services for Church of God in Christ (COGIC), Outstanding Missionary with First Born Church of the Living God, Certificate of Secretarial Science, Certificate of Nursing Program, Certificate for Outstanding Substitute Teacher and Paraprofessional, and Certificate with the Child Advocacy Program. 

    These days, the Carters are not quite as active, but they are still involved in the church and community. “I enjoy spending time with my wife, children, grandchildren, and great granchildren and watching Judge Judy on television.,” said Dea. Carter. He still loves to  build and construct projects, play games on his computer, and do cabinetry work.  He used to send email messages to his friends.

     Missionary Carter said she also loves spending time with her family, studying the word of God,  and going to church.  “I watch Christian programs on TV, pray for others, and read the  Scriptures.”   

   She attributes her long life to living for God and studying the Word of God.  She said her mother and step-father influenced her life.  Dea Carter said his long life comes from hard work, always helping others who are  in need, eating healthy, and attending Sunday School and church regularly.  “My grandmother had a great influence on my life,” he said.

    Her favorite dish is collard greens, and his favorite dish is  fresh water fish.  She still cooks during the week and still drives.  “I shop at Wal-Mart and get in the scooter,” she said.   

     They have two children (Veronica Carter McCullough works in the Liberty County Probate Office and Valerie Carter Turek is a retired educator), four  grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren.

     The Carters are still very much in love and are a blessing to so many people.  Their home is a center of light and love for their family members and friends who always find the time to stop by for wise counsel and advice.  With a twinkle in their eyes, this very special couple enjoys each other and loves to give each other hugs.