The Rev. Sam and Dr. Wanda Manning of Bessemer recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.
The renewal of vows and a reception were held at their home church, Grace Life Baptist Church at Shadow Lake in McCalla. The church’s senior pastor, Brother Joel Frederick, officiated at the ceremony.
Their grandson Cole Adams walked his grandmother down the aisle to her Paw Paw.
Planning the memorable event were their daughters and husbands, Kymberlie and Adam Tyson, Julie and Daniel Chappell and Melanie Manning. The Shadow Lake Pavilion was beautifully decorated for the occasion by Amber and Brian Canterberry and their daughter-in-law, Kaylee Ann Chasteen.
Wanda and Sam were married on June 11, 1976. Wanda said, “The secret to a long marriage is to put God first in all you do, have lots of patience, be ready to forgive, be content with what you have, figure out what makes your husband happy early on, live within your means and bring him a glass of ice water when he is cutting the grass.” Very good advice.
When asked his secret for a long marriage, Sam responded, “Put God first in your marriage, appreciate what you got, consider your wife’s feelings and make sure you listen to your wife.”
Wanda’s mother, Pat Phillips, and her brothers Gene Phillips, David Phillips, Jimmy Phillips and Kelly Phillips were all in attendance, along with a host of longtime friends who celebrated the joyful event with them.
Wanda and Sam are graduates of old Banks High School in Birmingham. They did not know one another while at Banks.
Both were employed by Southern Company, where Sam worked for Southern Nuclear and Wanda in the Production Services Department.
Cole Adams walks his grandmother, Dr. Wanda Manning, down the aisle.
The Rev. Sam and Dr. Wanda Manning renew their vows before Brother Joel Frederick at Shadow Lake.
Seated, the late Ralph Phillips, with Dr. Wanda Manning, David Phillips, Gene Phillips, Kelly Phillips, Pat Phillips and Jimmy Phillips.
Haven Langley, the Rev. Sam Manning and Ella Tyson
