Charlie and Hazel Purser celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary Wednesday, May 24, 2023. They live a quiet life in the country with blooming flowers they planted together, singing birds and good neighbors who take care of them, according to Charlie.
Charlie was 20 years old headed to Jackson on a bus when it stopped in Mendenhall.
He was headed to enlist in the United States Army. Hazel, 15, worked at a local café. It was love at first sight. The two married soon after in Magee and have been here ever since. Charlie added, “We didn’t have enough money to leave.”
He is a doting husband, never wanting to be far from Hazel’s side. She uses a walker inside the house which is where the two spend most of their time – Charlie in his recliner and Hazel right next to him on her couch. There is an occasional trip to town for the two of them; Charlie still drives.
Their love for each other is evident in their glances, smiles, and their conversation. It is a deep love.
When asked what has kept them together for 70 years, Charlie responded, “When we get into an argument, I generally say the last words…yes ma’am.”
When speaking seriously about marriage Charlie has simple advice to offer. “Stay together, forgive one another. Don’t get married one day and separate the next. I ain’t for that.”
