Wanda and Albert Brown’s love story began with a glance across a Wichita grocery store.
Wanda was still in high school when she met Albert, who was sacking groceries at Jabara’s near 13th and Piatt. Their eyes met, he struck up a conversation and soon asked if he could come to her home for dinner and meet her parents.
That was important. Wanda grew up with four sisters and no brothers, and Albert quickly became part of the family.
“He would come to the house for parties and Sunday dinners,” Wanda recalled. There were also trips to the movies and plenty of time spent simply getting to know each other.
The couple married June 19, 1971, at Grant Chapel AME Church in Wichita. This summer, they celebrated 55 years of marriage with an anniversary celebration at the Lavela Event Center, surrounded by family and friends.
Over the decades, both built careers while raising three daughters, all of whom attended and graduated from Grambling State University. Albert worked for Excel and later Beech Aircraft, where he retired. Wanda worked at Cigna Healthcare, spent time as a teacher’s assistant and eventually retired from the state after working with SRS in adoptions.
Their family has grown to include five grandchildren, and family remains at the center of their lives.
The Browns also know how to enjoy themselves. They have traveled extensively, including several cruises and trips throughout the Caribbean, and they enjoy dominoes, cards and board games.
They remain active at church and the Northeast Senior Center, where both participate in activities and help with events.
After 55 years, they have also learned the value of togetherness — and a little time apart. Albert still drives a school bus, something Wanda jokes she appreciates because it gives them each some space.
Their formula seems simple: full lives, strong faith, family, friendship and plenty of fun — both together and separately.
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