Whigham’s celebrate 75th anniversary
What began as a playful hair pull at a school function resulted in a life-long journey for Otto and Joyce Whigham of Folkston.
That boyish prank came in the early days of 1950. A year later — on January 28, 1951 — the two were married in Abbeville, Ga., in Joyce’s native Wilcox County.
Otto, now 97 and a native of Pulaski County, and Joyce, 93, were honored by family and friends with a 75th anniversary celebration February 1 in the fellowship hall of First Baptist Church in Folkston.
Their children, Michael Whigham and Sharon Beal, served as hosts for the event.
The day’s attendees also included Joyce’s sister, Laverne Crenshaw, and Doris Hamilton, who served as the flower girl for Otto and Joyce.
Each grew up on working farms. Otto was the last of eight children in his family, while Joyce was the second of four.
After the wedding, they settled in his hometown of Hawkinsville before moving to Hilliard, Fla. They finally settled in Folkston in 1963.
SPECIAL PHOTO
Otto retired from the Federal Aviation Agency and followed that with other business ventures, including establishing three convenience stores. Joyce retired as City Clerk in Folkston, and also worked in banking and the Veterans’ Service Office with state government.
In addition to a two-tier anniversary cake, a variety of other foods and beverage was available to guests. Memorabilia from the years together for guests of honor included a wedding photo, family photos through the years, their wedding china and even Joyce’s wedding dress.
According to national statistics, fewer than one percent of the country’s married couples reach a 75th anniversary.
And for Otto and Joyce, the journey began with a boyish prank.
