ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, March 9, 1997 TAG: 9703110125
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 9 EDITION: METRO
Cockerham anniversary
Willard and Mildred Cockerham celebrated their 50th anniversary on February 2, 1997. The celebration was held at Bethel Baptist Church, Salem, Va., and was hosted by their daughters. The couple was married February 2, 1947, in Sparta, N. C.
Gillespie anniversary
James and Betty Gillespie of Christiansburg celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on March 8, 1997, with a reception given in their honor at the Blacksburg Holiday Inn. The celebration was hosted by their children with over 150 guests attending. The couple was married March 7, 1947, in Montcalm, W.Va. Betty is the former Betty Zane Hodges of McComas, W.Va. James is from Gary, W.Va., and served in New Guinea and Okinawa with the United States Navy during World War II, and is retired from Hercules. They have five daughters, Mrs. Alvie (Donna) Cullop, Mrs. Stanley (Debbie) Coley, Mrs. Walter (Sue) Baumoel, Mrs. Brian (Cecile) Beverage, and Ms. Sandra Gillespie. They have 11 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. The family surprised the couple with a trip to Hawaii.
Michales anniversary
George and Betty Michales celebrated their 50th anniversary on March 8, 1997. The celebration was held at Peters Creek Church of the Brethren, and was hosted by Edna Bolton, Judy Smith, Chris Bain, and Wanda Atkins. The couple was married March 8, 1947 in Troutville, Va. Mrs. Michales is the former Betty Marie Brogan and is a retired R.N. from Lewis-Gale Hospital. Mr. Michales is retired from Associated Transport and Northwest Hardware.
Riles Anniversary
Mr. and Mrs. Franklin & Elizabeth Riles celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary on Saturday, Jan. 25, 1997 at Hotel Roanoke with a surprise dinner given them by their children. Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Lewis, long time friends of the couple, joined the honorees for the occasion.
Mr. Riles, a native of Birmingham, AL. and Johnnie Elizabeth Beane of Vinton were united in marriage on January 25, 1942 at Douglas Memorial Community Church, Baltimore, MD. Mrs. Lewis, of Vinton, VA. at the time, attended the wedding.
Mr. Riles spent six years in the US Navy and is retired after 50 years with Henri Kessler. Mrs. Riles is retired after 30 years with Roanoke City. Their children are George, Richard, Elizabeth and Barbara Riles & daughter-in-law, Carolyn. They have nine grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, five adopted children and many foster children. One granddaughter, Fran Taylor is currently in the US Navy stationed in Italy.
LENGTH: Medium: 55 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: 4 photosby CNB