Kenneth and Frances Adkison, celebrating their diamond anniversary, are joined by Pastor John Eddy IV who officiated in the renewal of their wedding vows.
By ROBERT ANKRAPP
For the Times-Herald
HEIGHTS – Mayor Bill Bazzi joined Kenneth and Frances Adkison, their family members and friends, and Dearborn Heights American House staff on May 3 to celebrate the couple’s 75th wedding anniversary.
The couple celebrated with the renewal of their marriage vows, which was officiated by Pastor John Eddy IV of Faith Baptist Church in Canton. An audience of approximately 75 friends, family members and American House residents joined in the celebration.
Kenneth, 97 spent his younger years in Greenway, Ark., prior to his move to Michigan in 1943. Frances, 95 relocated to Michigan from Dublin, Ga., in 1944.
The couple married May 3, 1947, in Temple Baptist Church in Detroit after meeting there through a mutual friend. They were 50-year members of the church until leaving to become members of Faith Baptist Church in Dearborn Heights.
The family lived in their North Waverly Street home from 1955 until their 2017 move to American House.
Kenneth, a U.S. Navy and World War II veteran, was honorably discharged in December 1947. He retired from his position at Sears in 1987, where he served in the vehicle service department. Frances, a 1985 retiree also from Sears, served in the credit department.
The couple raised two children – a (late) son, Michael, born in 1948, and a daughter, Beth, who was born in 1955.
Several nearby organizations contributed to help make the event a special one, including Sorella’s Custom Cakes, Merri-Craft Florist, Stefan’s Banquet Center, Jennie’s Hair Salon (on-site stylist at the American House), members of Faith Baptist Church, and medical team member photographer Scott Millington.
Bazzi was happy to be part of the couple’s diamond wedding anniversary.
“It was a true honor to recognize this couple and be part of their ceremony” he said. “They have enjoyed a long and fulfilling life together, and I wish them even more years of health and happiness.”