wedding anniversary.

The couple, who have three children and three grandchildren, became childhood sweethearts after Mrs. Woolridge sent her husband a Valentine's Day card when she was just 7-years-old. Mrs. Woolridge said they planned to mark the occasion by receiving a special Church blessing followed by a reception at their home.

The pair credit their successful marriage to patience, understanding, communication and especially God. Mrs. Woolridge said they married on a Thanksgiving holiday and now their 50th Anniversary has once again landed on Thanksgiving.

FIFTY UP -- Stanley and Clarissa Woolridge