Sixty-Two Years of Love and Devotion

It all began 62 years ago in October of 1951 when James Page (J.P.) Childress of Suffolk and Laura Ann Ferguson of Meherrin planned to be married on the Eastern Shore of Virginia by Rev. Frank W. Blake, a special family friend. The day before the planned wedding, Laura’s father, John Ferguson, 39, of Meherrin, suddenly died of a heart attack. The wedding plans were placed on hold. About a week later, J.P. and Laura decided to exchange vows locally, and Laura’s pastor, Rev. Ray Jenkins, officiated the quiet ceremony at the Methodist Parsonage in Abilene. While the wedding was not as originally planned their marriage has endured many years. They never lost touch with Rev. Frank Blake and his wife, and on October 28, 2001, the couple renewed their vows on the Eastern Shore of Virginia with Rev. Blake officiating. It was so special that after all of those years their dream of being married on the Eastern Shore by Rev. Blake could finally be realized.

On October 31, 2013 Laura and J.P. will celebrate 62 years. Their marriage is one to be admired as their love and devotion for one another is unmatched. Over the years they have shared that love with their three children, and their spouses, five grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Laura and J.P. have been so blessed over the years but those who know and love them have been equally blessed.