MAYO — Bill and Jackie Hart have been blessed with 61 years of marriage, three daughters, eight grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and one on the way. 

Bill grew up in Mayo and Jackie grew up down the road in Branford.

In 1952, Bill became interested in Jackie when he noticed a picture of her on his friend’s wall while attending the University of Florida. 

He wrote her a letter, which she responded to. They went on a blind date one Sunday at the First Baptist Church in Branford. 

Bill said he can still picture Jackie sitting on her couch with her Bible when he arrived to her house for their first date.

“She was the prettiest thing I ever seen,” Bill said. “I didn’t tell her that at the time.”

They continued to date but also dated others. 

Jackie was still in high school and planned to attend Stetson University but that changed when she got a scholarship. The scholarship meant she had to attend a state school and she chose Florida State University.

Bill transfer to Florida State University not knowing about her change in school choice. 

“It was God’s will that we be together,” Jackie said. 

During their years at Florida State University they dated  each other but also dated others. 

Bill was working five days a week and Jackie had spare time.

Jackie said in that time, people dated to have a good time together.

In February 1954, Jackie and Bill started going steady and became engaged in August. 

They were married June 12, 1955. 

Several months later, they started teaching for the Lafayette County School District. Jackie retired from the district in 1993 and Bill retired in 1995.

They had three daughters: Joanette, Francine and Joycelyn. 

Jackie said what helped cement their relationship was their shared interests and beliefs. They share the same faith and love of education and are family oriented. 

Jackie urges young couples to get to know each other and their families.

“One thing we are not afraid to say to each other how much we love each other,” Jackie said. “Some people don’t think that’s important but we do.”

“I loved her from the time I saw her but I had to let her date,” Bill said. “I’ve been exceptionally happy with her.”

Jackie admitted that like all couples they had problems but they did not let it bother them for periods of time. 

“We resolved things if anything comes up that we don’t agree on,” Jackie said. “You can’t let things linger on. That won’t work.”