In the mountains and valleys of Appalachia, people grow up surrounded by nature and strong family bonds. Here, we can feel the love deep and special. My great-grandparents, Lorraine and Kenvil, have loved each other for over 75 years and have inspired many generations in our family and surroundings.
Great-grandma Lorraine was born in 1929 and was raised by other families instead of their own. Great-grandpa Kenvil, who was born in 1926, came from a big family in West Virginia. They first met in the fifth grade at Sissonville Elementary. Lorraine was drawn to Kenvil because of her strong belief in God and her love for her family.
They began dating in their teenage years, consistently accompanied by Lorraine’s older brother, Henry. Their first date was listening to the Grand Ole Pry at Lorraine’s house In 1943, Kenvil joined the Army during World War II and was sent to Okinawa, Japan. Upon his return from furlough in 1946, he and Lorraine chose to get married immediately.
With little savings and time, they have a small wedding. Kenvil was dressed in his uniform, and Lorraine wore a red dress with white dots. They said their vows in front of two close friends. After the wedding, Kenvil returned to the war for more than one year.
Lorraine stays with her family, waiting for him to come back home. In 1947, they finally meet again and started living their lives as a happy married couple. Life was not simple. They have faced a very hard time and work together to take care of their growing family.
Kenvil has different jobs, laying roads, and also driving trucks. Lorraine remained at home to look after the children. They had ten children; however, tragically, one, Janet Marie, died when she was just a baby. Even with the sickness and all the hard times, Kenvil also stayed with Lorraine’s always there to help and support.
Most of the children were born at home with the help of midwives. One birth was very hard. Lorraine had to walk and traveled from the flooded land to give birth to her daughter Vivian at the Salvation Army. Her strong faith and deep love help her to stay strong and never give up.
In the initial years, their residences were tiny and lacked contemporary amenities. They did not have the modern tools, so they used the outside toilets, wash clothes and kept the food in the holes of the floor to keep it cool.
However, by the 1960s, Great-grandpa’s job with the Teamsters union helped them buy a nicer house on King Street. The kids called it a ‘mansion’ because it had indoor plumbing and enough rooms for everyone.
Their present residence on Harmon’s Branch Road has been the heart of family life for many years, where they had gatherings, played games, shared meals, and made many memories.
For generations, children have matured in that place, enjoying games, laughter, and education from Lorraine and Evil. For the celebration of their 75th anniversary, Lorraine finally experienced the church wedding she had always wanted.
Wearing a real and true wedding dress, she was happily pushed down the aisle, while Evil stood in his army uniform, tears in his eyes. The ceremony celebrated their long-lasting love.
They said a good and successful marriage needs equal effort from both sides. Lorraine and Kenvil’s love, build on trust and respect, has lasted for many years and inspired many families. Their love was true and original; it never feels weak in their 75 years of life together.
