There’s a captured magic between two people who can maintain a relationship for more than 50 years. It’s not just their love that is captivating, but their commitment.

Five of the eight children of Earnest and Maymie Eggers Maupin have reached a milestone by celebrating 50 years of wedded bliss. Their father and mother were married 46 years before he passed away in 1978 at the age of 69. Their mother died in January 2006 at the age of 96.

Each of the children attribute their long marriages to being raised in a Christian home by loving and caring parents who “were always there for us and guiding us in the right direction. They set the example,” said daughter Viola Verran, who has yet to attain the mark. “Sadly, I failed, but I’m happy for my sisters and brother,” she said.

The siblings who have celebrated golden wedding anniversaries include:

τ Cecil and Barbara Maupin were married Nov 25, 1956. Cecil retired from Bolton Block with 55 years of service. Nancy, a devoted wife and loving mother of nine children, is a homemaker. Their children include Kathy M. Brown, Nancy M. Gardner, Charles, Jimm, Timmy, Letha M. Jones, Karen M. Williams, Kevin and Scotty.

Barbara and Cecil had been married 57 years when Cecil passed away in 2014.

τ Carl and Betty Maupin Ferguson were married August 1, 1962. Carl retired from ITT and TPI with 30 years of service. He is also a United States Army veteran.

Betty worked for Howard Brothers, Belk and Target before retiring after 40 years of working outside the home.

They have two sons, Bobby and Johnny Ferguson of Gray.

τ George and Bonnie Maupin Campbell were married June 29, 1963. George retired from Rainbow Bakery with 35 years of service.

Bonnie retired after owning and operating Sandy’s Beauty Salon in Johnson City for many years.

They are the parents of two daughters, Sandra Campbell Conley of Johnson City and Kimberly Campbell Buckley, Florida

τ Wayne and Lillian Maupin Oliver were married March 6, 1964. Wayne retired from Summers-Taylor Construction with 48 years of service. He passed away Nov. 5, 2013.

Lillian retired from London Hardware and Woods Piano Co. with 30 years of service.

Wayne and Lillian had two daughters, Cindy Oliver Walker of Johnson City and Tammie Oliver Wilson of Alcoa.

τ Richard and Louise Maupin Thompson were married May 14, 1965. Richard retired from Sprint Telephone Co. with 38 years of service. He also served in the United States Army.

Louise retired from Woods Piano Co. with 35 years of service.

They have one son, Jason Thompson of Johnson City.

Another daughter Margie and her husband, James Barry will celebrate their 35th wedding anniversary July 3. They, too, hope to reach the 50-year milestone.

The Barrys have a son, Jonathan, who lives in Indianapolis.

Each of the couples agree that it is good to reflect on their years of marriage and remember that the most valuable moments in life often come packaged in consistency not variety.

All five couple agree “you have to be able, and willing, to work through the difficult times”

“They will tell you that nothing worthwhile is easy,” Viola said.