On January 27, 1962, Florene Linnen wore a blue and white dress and Herbert Linnen wore a black and white tuxedo for their wedding, which 50 to 70 people attended.
On Saturday evening, January 28, 2012, family and friends attended the couple’s 50th anniversary party at Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church in the Dunbar Community of Georgetown County.
The couple had an outdoor ceremony in 1962 at the home of Florene's parents in Oatland, S.C.
They established residency in the Dunbar Community of Georgetown County where they raised seven children.
The couple now has 12 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and three daughters-in-law.
Saturday, the reception hall of the church was elegantly draped in gold and cream to celebrate their golden wedding anniversary.
The couple’s entrance
Friends, family, elected officials and dignitaries were dressed in cocktail dresses and suits for the occasion.
As the guests waited for the couple's entrance, a large screen showed the taping of the 25th year of the renewal of vows.
The taping showed the wedding processional with attendees Willie Cox, Charlotte Priest, and James and Mary Canteen.
Surprisingly, some of the same attendees that walked down the aisle with Florene and Herbert at their 25th renewal of vows ushered in the couple on Saturday for their 50th wedding anniversary.
“It was like deja vu!” Florene Linnen said.
Elder Roslyn Coleman of the church gave remarks.
"50 years is nothing to sneeze at,” Coleman said.
"A lot of us will not have the opportunity that the Linnens have, reaching 50 years of marriage. They were serious about their vows that they made to each other."
A special card from President Barrack and Michelle Obama was read by the couple's granddaughter Imari Linnen.
The couple's children each gave reflections of what it was like being raised by such great parents.
S.C. elected officials
Senator Yancey McGill presented them with a framed certificate.
"This certificate is presented to Florene and Herbert Linnen on the occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary," McGill said.
"We extend our heart felt congratulations on this very special event. They have been role models for their family and friends and have shown their faith in the Lord’s love and commitment, which is the cornerstone for a lasting marriage."
Following Sen. McGill's presentation Rep. Carl Anderson also presented the couple with a framed certificate.
"On behalf of the State House of Representative we honor and congratulate Florene and Herbert for being an outstanding couple for 50 years,” Anderson said.
"This couple will go in the South Carolina Senate history book, you are now in the book.”
By Rounette Johnson
For The Times
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