A Texas couple has been recognized by the Texas Governor for being the longest-married in the state, and they recently celebrated their 82nd wedding anniversary. The Paris, Texas, couple of Johnnie Leroy Chaffin and Fannie Chaffin were first recognized for this feat in 2018. The “Longest Married Couple in Texas” has also been acknowledged as the third longest married couple in America.
Governor Greg Abbott recognized the Chaffins for their marital longevity following the celebration of their recent anniversary. Mr. Chaffin is now 100 years old and his wife is 97. Their daughter, Linda Reavis, stated that the pair were known to play together as children. They reconnected in their teenage years and dated when they could, despite living in separate counties.
Photo: Flickr/Lindell Dillon
The Chaffins married in 1937 when she was 15 and he was 17. “Well, there weren’t many men around to marry,” Mrs. Chaffin quipped, according to kcbd.com. Reavis further stated to kcbd.com, “Being the age they are, that’s a century. They’ve been through so much in 100 years and that’s what amazes me.” The “Longest Married Couple in Texas” has been through tough times (such as the Great Depression) as well as wonderful times (like celebrating their 200+ grandchildren.) They’ve literally been together in both sickness and health, and when asked what their secret to a successful marriage such as this, Mr. Chaffin told kcbd.com, “Love is all I know. Love is one of the greatest things in the world if it’s done right. And that’s the way it is.”
