Lakefield couple are married 50 years today … and you will just ‘Lovell’ their story
Lovell Cloete (71) and his wife, Hilary (70), of Lakefield, celebrate 50 years of wedded bliss today.
The couple met in March 1968 and have only had eyes only for each other since.
Their love story began when Hilary’s brother-in-law raved about a young man in his congregation who was “perfect” for her and shared the same interests.
“After the youth service he invited Lovell to visit with him at my parents’ home,” said Hilary.
“All evening Lovell conversed with my parents, and when it was time to leave he asked my parents if he would be able to visit me as a friend.
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“They were so taken with this young man that they agreed.”
Hilary remembers that on their first encounter all she said to Lovell was ‘pleased to meet you’ and ‘goodbye’.
“The following week he popped in to make a date for the next week and that was the beginning of our relationship.”
Little did she know a year later, on Valentine’s Day, they would be tying a knot that would stand the test of time.
The couple were married in Cape Town and stated that at the time the date chosen did not have any particular meaning to them as Valentine’s Day “did not exist then.”
Lovell and Hilary moved from Cape Town to Johannesburg 39 years ago.
Lovell, a plumber by trade, later became a valuer for Absa and Servcon while Hilary was a wage and salary administrator for various companies, which she still enjoys doing once a week.
“God blessed us with three beautiful and wonderful children, Hayley, Angela and Glenville,” said Hilary.
“We always encouraged our children to be involved in the Lord’s work.
“Angela was the organist in our congregation, and at the age of 23 our darling child entered the eternity after an illness.
“She served God with all her being.
“Her death brought our family closer together and we appreciate each other so much more.”
The couple is still very active in the church choir and other activities.
When asked how they felt after 50 years together they joked and said they never thought their relationship would last as long as it has.
“Marriage has taught us endurance, patience, loyalty, being faithful in the Lord’s work and being a shining example to others.
“The advice we can give to younger couples is that they should work on each other’s strengths and weaknesses and compromise wherever needed.
“We pray that we will always remain faithful and be a shining example to our children and grandchildren.”
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