There aren’t any real secrets to a long-lasting healthy marriage other than keeping vows and each other as priorities, Chester Lee and Tempie Barnett said as they were honored Monday. Recognized for 51 years of marriage, the Healthy Marriage Initiative that’s a part of the City of Laurel’s Community Family Center.

The parents of four and grandparents of two, the Heidelberg couple says cooperation is the main thing that has kept them together so long.

“You have to give and you have to take,” Tempie Barnett said.

“Try to live by those vows that you said,” Chester Lee Barnett added. “That’s the main thing.”

Mr. Barnett is retired after working 34 years with the Masonite company. Mrs. Barnett retired from the East Jasper School District as an elementary school principal. She worked in the school system 36 years.

Besides their commitment to each other, they also say a healthy marriage should include church involvement. He is a deacon and treasurer at John the Baptist Church in Pachuta, and she is the Dean of Christian Education and Director of Programs for Shady Grove Baptist Church.

The Healthy Marriage Initiative honors a local couple once each month. But, in February, they group will give special recognition to all previously honored couples with a lunch with Mayor Melvin Mack and other officials.

The luncheon will be part of the Healthy Marriage Week, which is expected to be proclaimed by Mack and Gov. Haley Barbour.

For more information on the Community Family Center, call 601-425-4025.