They were married in the Full Gospel Church in Tzaneen on 3 September 1960.
John was born on 21 July 1937 in Duiwelskloof to parents Jack and Helen Brett.
He grew up in Politsi on the farm Jacaranda, portion 227 of Bergendal. Elna was born on 25 November 1940 in Pretoria to parents Louis and Dollie Horn.
They moved to Tzaneen in 1954 where Louis Horn had the Horn Brothers Funeral Services.
Also read: Hoedies String It artist is on the map
John and Elna met on 1 June 1959 at a Sunday school picnic of the Full Gospel Church of Tzaneen and were paired together for the needle and thread race.
They fell in love and married the following year. Three children were born from the marriage, Johnny, Poppedyn and Louise and Elouise was adopted at age 5.
John and Elna have seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren. They currently reside on a farm in Swellendam district.
They are both still enjoying good health.