Couple’s love still sparkles after six decades
The local Kloof couple recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary with their friends and family.
LOCAL couple, Faye and Vernon Smith recently celebrated 60 years of diamond-strong love.
They met as six and eight year olds. Vernon lived in Johannesburg and Faye stayed in Zululand. Not letting the distance affect them, they soon became firm pen pals.
Faye and Vernon started dating when she was in matric at Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High.
Vernon courted Faye for a number of years and remembers many long drives, late on Friday evenings, from Johannesburg to Zululand in his Jeep. After courting for a few years, he proposed to Faye while dining at a restaurant in Pietermaritzburg.
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They were married on 29 July in 1957 at St Martins on Field in Durban North and celebrated this momentous occasion with a honeymoon in Lourenco Marques.
Vernon qualified as a civil engineer from Wits University, and still practices today while Faye received a speech and drama qualification from Trinity College of London and taught primary school children for a number of years.
Faye and Vernon pursued many interests during their marriage. He had a keen interest in cricket and golf, was a Rotarian and president of his club.
Vernon is currently a life member of the Kloof Country Club where he still enjoys a round of golf. He also sat on the Kloof Council for many years.
Faye was very active in Women’s Institute and was the federation president for a term.
She contributed many hours to adult education and literacy and travelled the province adjudicating speech and drama at many primary and high schools.
The first part of their anniversary celebrations kicked off in Johannesburg at their daughter’s home, surrounded by family. The second part of their celebrations was at a luncheon at the Kloof Country Club with their friends.
They are the proud parents of three and have eight grandchildren.
Faye and Vernon accredit their success to a deep love and respect and always show kindness and tolerance to one another.
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