MARIETTA, GEORGIA — Worldwide Marriage Encounter, the original faith-based marriage enrichment program in the United States, is honoring Marietta, Georgia, residents Matthew and Jeanette Thomason, 103 and 102 years old respectively, as the 2025 national winners of the annual Longest Married Couple Project.
The World War II bride and groom married on Jan. 14, 1945, at the First Baptist Church in downtown Atlanta. The couple celebrated their 80 years of marriage early this year with more than 50 people who turned out for their anniversary party at their Marietta senior retirement community.
“It is an honor to recognize Matthew and Jeanette Thomason for their 80-year commitment to each other and to the Sacrament of Matrimony,” said Peter and Sheila Oprysko and Fr. Dennis O’Brien, the United States Ecclesial Team for WWME. “Their story, which began as war raged in Europe and the Pacific in the spring and summer of 1944, continues today. It’s a powerful testament to the power of unwavering, unconditional love. They are a sign of hope and a genuine inspiration to couples everywhere.”
The Thomasons were nominated by their grandson, Matt Thomason, one of six grandchildren. The couple’s family legacy includes two sons, six grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren (so far).
A WWII courtship and a wedding day delay
Matthew, originally from Birmingham, Alabama, and Jeanette, from Bowman, Georgia, met in Atlanta during WWII on a blind date arranged by a mutual friend. Jeanette worked at the Georgia state capital as a secretary, and Matthew was a corporal stationed at Fort McPherson.
Their courtship moved quickly in the summer of 1944, culminating in a wedding ceremony six months later. The small, wartime wedding was not without drama: the preacher, having gone home for a quick nap before the 2 p.m. ceremony, overslept, causing an hour delay and a moment of panic for the bride, who briefly mistakenly thought she might have been left at the altar. The couple spent their three-day honeymoon in New Orleans.
After WWII, Matthew finished his education at the University of Alabama before beginning a career at Perfection Bedding Co. in Birmingham, where he eventually succeeded his father as credit manager and treasurer. Jeanette focused on raising their two sons, Mack and Bill, before later returning to her secretarial career. They remained active socially, belonging to dance and bridge clubs.
Matthew’s lifelong passion was amateur radio (a “Ham”), operating under the call sign K4FQF and connecting with fellow operators in all 50 states and more than 100 countries during a span of nearly 70 years. Jeanette’s passion was knitting. She produced a handmade afghan for every son, grandchild and great-grandchild, as well as many other relatives and friends.
The Secret to 80 Years of Love
At their 80th wedding anniversary celebration and vow renewal this past January, the couple shared their secrets to longevity:
Matthew: “Never go to bed mad at one another; always resolve your differences before turning out the light.”
Jeanette: “Love … simply true and unconditional love.”
Worldwide Marriage Encounter received 75 nominations from 28 states in the organization’s annual homage to marriage longevity. This project was created to highlight marriage in America and show younger generations that commitment truly can go the distance.
Worldwide Marriage Encounter has been offering weekend marriage enrichment experiences for more than 55 years. The programs are continually updated to keep abreast of changes in society, with virtual online programs now facilitated by couples and priests through video conference on either weekends or weekday evenings. WWME aims to assist couples and priests to not only improve their relationships, but to Thrive Together.
WWME has a presence in almost 100 countries, which makes it the largest pro-marriage movement in the world. Worldwide Marriage Encounter offers married couples the opportunity to spend time together away from the busyness of the world to focus on each other and offers tools for building and maintaining a strong, Christian marriage in today’s world. The marriage encounter experience is also available to priests and religious to enhance their sacraments.
To learn more or apply for an upcoming WWME experience near you, visit wwme.org.
Contact: Paul & Robin Ring Worldwide Marriage Encounter Longest Married Couple Project Coordinators at 321-633-1531.