Who could of known, when two youngsters danced past each other, that they would, years later, be celebrating their diamond wedding anniversary.
This is the story of Jimmy and Marie Wearne.
The two originally met as children but lost contact as the years passed.They met again when Marie was 17 and Jimmy 22, at the annual police ball, in the Germiston City Hall.
On October 2, 1954, Jimmy and Marie were married at St Augustine’s Church, in Germiston, which has since been relocated
The two were able to enjoy a month-long honeymoon after the wedding, a luxury not many can afford in this modern age.
The couple have lived in the suburbs of Germiston for almost all their married life, with a three-year stint in Namibia.
“We spent three years in Namibia in a place called Otjiwarongo, while Jimmy helped in building the railway,” explained Marie.
“We have lived in Sunnyridge for the last 42 years.”
In their 60 years together the couple has been blessed with four beautiful children, Cecilia Sharp (59), Lance Wearne (57), Jo-anne Wearne (54) and Juliet Watt (49), six grandchildren and a treasure trove of wonderful memories.
When asked how they have maintained their marriage through all these years, Jimmy joked: “Don’t argue with your partner.”
Marie added: “It is by the grace of God we have stayed together.
“We have had a very blessed 60 years.”
The couple will be celebrating this momentous occasion with a lunch attended by close friends and family.
