James and Geraldine celebrated 70 years of marriage in 2019.

Who talked to who first? James said he talked to Geraldine first

Who said “I love you” first? James said I love you first.

Did you go to the same school? Geraldine went to North High. James went to East.

Where do you go the most as a couple? We do a lot of traveling and we like going to the movies.

Who is more social? Geraldine is more social. James is quiet.

Who is the neat-freak? Geraldine and James are equally neat-freaks.

Who is the most stubborn? Geraldine is the most stubborn, James is really a laid back person.

Who wakes up earlier? James wakes up at 5 a.m., Geraldine wakes up later.

Where was your first date? We went to the movies at the Dunbar Theatre, it was about the only place where Blacks could go to see movies back then.

What is your secret to making marriage work? We listen to each other and when we don’t agree we always try to compromise on the issues that we are faced with.

How did you figure out the household chores? Geraldine was a stay-at-home wife and mom, so she mainly took care of the house and James worked so he took care of the expenses.

What have you learned to appreciate about your spouse that you did not know when you were first married? Geraldine: He was a Christian man and a good listener. James: She was full of fun.

What aspect of marriage were you most pleasantly surprised by? After 70 years, that we are still married.

What do you think is the most challenging part of being married? Geraldine: Being able to know when to talk and when to listen. James: When to let go of things.

What has been the greatest obstacle you have faced over the years? Geraldine & James: Losing our two daughters.

What’s one thing that your spouse does that makes you feel glad you married years ago? James & Geraldine: We still love each other.

If you could have been given a key piece of advice before marrying, what would it have been? Do what you do for one another without regrets and keep prayer in your life and in your marriage.