Norm and Doris Braughton, married for 62 years, were among 23 couples who renewed their wedding vows at a special ceremony on Nov. 8 at First Baptist Church in West Jefferson.
(Posted Nov. 11, 2015)
By Sandi Latimer, Staff Writer
Fifteen-year-old Norm was visiting his cousin when Doris, the 13-year-old girl who lived across the street, got her skirt caught in her bicycle chain. Norm teased Doris about her bike-riding abilities. Doris didn’t appreciate the comment at the time, but the two continued to see each other and a relationship bloomed.
Fast forward to this year when, on Nov. 8, Norm and Doris Braughton were among 23 couples who chose to renew their marriage vows in a special ceremony at First Baptist Church in West Jefferson. Participating couples had been married between eight years and, as with the Braughtons, 62 years.
The ceremony culminated Pastor Mark Smith’s six-week series of sermons on marriage and family.
“He thought it would be nice to have the renewal ceremony as the end,” said Toni Smith, the pastor’s wife.
Couples came down the flower petal-strewn main aisle behind a flower girl and ring bearer of elementary school age. Facing each other and holding hands, the 23 couples repeated renewal vows read by Smith. At the end, Smith told the “grooms” they could kiss their “brides.”
The Braughtons and other couples brought their wedding photos to display in the church’s gym where a reception was held. The honored couples and church members ate traditional reception fare—cake, mints, nuts, punch and coffee.
Norm Braughton has operated Norm’s Auto Repair on the west side of Columbus throughout his 62 years of married life. He has no plans to retire “unless I get a serious illness or the Lord carries me out feet first.”
Meanwhile, Doris was a housewife raising their five children—Carol, Norm Jr. (Bud), Joe, Sue and Linda. She also has helped out at Norm’s business. The five children have provided them with 19 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
Their advice to young couples today: “If God is not at the head of the table, don’t get married. It won’t work out.”
