NATURAL DAM, Ark. — Worldwide Marriage Encounter helped celebrate Thell and Margie Ellison after they were named their 2024 longest-married couple.
The Ellisons have been married for 83 years and were joined by friends and family at Independence Free Will Baptist church in Natural Dam on Oct. 27.
"It is with great pride that we recognize their extraordinary 83 years of marriage," Dennis O’Brien with Worldwide Marriage Encounter said during the presentation. "We can all look at what you have accomplished through the years of faithful commitment to one another and find hope knowing that love is alive and flourishing in humankind."
On June 24, 1941, Thell and Margie married atop a hill overlooking Lee Creek.
During the ceremony, it was described that Thell and Margie’s first home was a little log cabin with no electricity, no running water, and Margie cooked on a wood stove. Meals, many of which were provided by the family garden, were often shared on the dining table crafted by Thell.
Together, 107-year-old Thell and 99-year-old Margie raised five children, 15 grandchildren, 37 great grandchildren, and 31 great great grandchildren.
"My brother has been married 62, my sister's been married 60, and when you think about 83 years, that's a long time," Norma Shults, Thell and Margie’s daughter, said. "And for us, we're so proud of them and proud for them and proud for our family."
Thell and Margie are staples within the Natural Dam and Independence Free Will Baptist Church community, and they were touched by the amount of people who showed up to support.
"If it hadn't been for the Lord, we wouldn't have been here, and we wouldn't have this blessing," Thell said. "All of our loved ones came here and friends. It’s just been a blessing."
Thell and Margie’s children said that their parents are still very active. Thell continues to work in his wood shop, something he has done for many years, and Margie continues to sew.
112 family members, 83 years of marriage, and a legacy born of love.
"We just tried to live right and treat each other right, and love each other," Margie said. "We are so thankful for our children. They were a great blessing, but the main thing is to show respect and love."
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