Tulia couple celebrates 71st anniversary with a lifetime of love and laughter

TULIA, Texas — A couple from Tulia, Wesley and Joann Hayhurst, celebrated their 71st anniversary on Friday.

Their granddaughter, Samantha Baggett, shared reflections of her grandparents’ undeniable love.

“Just seeing how much love they have for each other to this day, they’re still giddy over each other,” Baggett said.

It begins with the simple gestures. The couple holds hands anywhere they go, Wesley holds his wife’s purse and they never forget to greet each other (or say goodbye) with a kiss and tell each other “I love you.”

The Key to Longevity

But what sustains a marriage for over seven decades?

“I know the key to their long lasting marriage is God,” Baggett said. “One of their favorite chapters from the Bible is 1 Corinthians 13… the love chapter.”

According to Baggett, its also the kindness, respect and unwavering support that her grandparents show one another every day. Wesley and Joann have an ability to laugh together, tease one another affectionately and approach trials with a lighthearted attitude.

Nuggets of Wisdom

Amidst the laughter and love, Baggett’s grandparents offer simple advice on marriage and relationships.

Treat the ones you love better than you would a stranger. Take your wedding vows seriously. Always laugh.

Baggett’s aunt recalled a time Wesley grew a black mustache Joann hated for his driver’s license photo. In turn, Joann greeted Wesley at the door with a painted mustache on her face one night after he came home from work, causing him to go straight to the bathroom to shave his mustache off.

Though her grandfather and grandmother are complete opposites, they compliment one another perfectly, Baggett explained. No matter what challenges come their way, health concerns or embracing modern technology, Baggett said they face each obstacle hand in hand, their bond growing stronger each day.

In a world where love often fades with time, Wesley and Joann Hayhurst show that love can endure forever.

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