Couple celebrate 69 years of marriage – a milestone only 1% of married couples ever reach

Lenard Harvey, 93, and his wife, Bernice Harvey, 98, are celebrating 69 years of marriage, a feat that only 1% of married couples ever reach, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. 

Lenard told News4, “I think it’s a blessing. God has blessed us, truly.” The proud groom explained that their strong Christian faith, coupled with the values and beliefs he developed at a young age, helped guide him throughout his life.

“By being a Christian man, I believe that whoever God puts together, let no man put asunder,” Harvey explained.

Bernice was a city girl, while Lenard was a country boy. When they were in their twenties, the two got together through family members.  

They tied the knot at the Upper Marlboro Justice of the Peace after a courtship that lasted roughly five months. Lenard served in the army, and he and his wife were both employed by the federal government. 

Before their marriage, Bernice had three children, all of whom acknowledged Lenard as their father, which was essential to their marriage’s success. 

Almost seven decades later, the happy couple still live independently in their home in Landover, Maryland.

Lenard asked Bernice, “Do you love me?” to which she replied with a laugh, “After all these years?” while the news outlet chatted with them. 

Jocelin Cole, the couple’s daughter, believes her parents and their relationship are worth celebrating. She said, “I’m grateful. Truly grateful. It’s a lot of work, but I wouldn’t miss it for anything.”

Lenard and Bernice credit their 69-year-long marriage to faith and appreciation.

“Sometimes I wake and look at over at her and she’ll be out,” Lenard remarked. “And I just touch her, and she’ll look up and go back [to sleep] I’ll just say, ‘Time to get up, baby. It’s another day.'”