Matters of the Heart

Neither snow nor distance have kept Jeral and Becky Whitaker from 50+ years of wedded bliss.

by Shuyler Clark

Like many small towns, Stockbridge has its fair share of longtime residents. Other denizens of the Stockbridge area may recognize Becky (née McKim) and Jeral Whitaker from their longstanding history with the town, as both have been lifelong residents of the village.

The two met in high school, where Becky remembers watching Jeral play basketball. Something in his performance must have charmed her, because the two eventually married on November 27, 1971. Those familiar with the geography of Stockbridge will recognize the First Presbyterian Church opposite the town hall; this was where the couple tied the knot. Another noteworthy aspect of that date was the absurd amount of snow attendees of the ceremony had to endure.

“There was a big snowstorm the night before,” Becky recalls, which no doubt made the occasion all the more memorable. She and Jeral overcame the weather challenges that day, made it to their ceremony, and will celebrate their 52nd anniversary later this year.

Becky and Jeral have three children: two sons, Jason and Ryan, and a daughter, Nancy Sommervell. In addition, they have seven grandchildren. The pair value their family as their proudest achievement.

Despite their happy marriage, Becky and Jeral have not been spared the occasional struggle. Becky recalls the most challenging part of their marriage when Jeral lived in Indiana for three years for work.

They consider themselves more of an opposites-attract couple; where Becky is a talker, Jeral is far more quiet.

While they most enjoy spending time with their family, Becky and Jeral have contributed much to the community. Nancy Wisman, Stockbridge Community News vice president, pleasantly recalls the years Becky served alongside her as a teaching aide in the district’s preschool. Parents and faculty at Stockbridge High School will recognize Becky as the presenter of the Nancy McKim Collins Memorial Scholarship, which is named for her deceased sister. For his part, Jeral has constructed many homes in the area, which he has sold one-by-one before moving on to the next build.

Throughout their long history with the village, Becky and Jeral continue to be model Stockbridge citizens. No doubt, family and area residents will continue to play an important part in the pages of Jeral and Becky’s story.

Photos provided by Jeral and Becky Whitaker.

Fifty-two years ago, on November 27, 1971, guests endured a major snowstorm to be in attendance when Jeral and Becky Whitaker tied the knot.

While they most enjoy spending time with their family, Becky and Jeral Whitaker have also contributed much to the Stockbridge community.