CARROLLTON, Ga. — Jean and Joseph “Joe” N. Buroker, of Carrollton, Georgia, formerly of Shelby and Champaign counties, will celebrate their 76th wedding anniversary, May 14, 2016, hosted by their family in Demopolis, Alabama.

Friends may send cards to them at 518 Birkdale Blvd., Carrollton, GA 30116.

Joe and the former Jean A. Black were married May 19, 1940, in Kennard. The Rev. Gerald Barnes performed the ceremony on a beautiful, clear Sunday; however, the Rev. Joseph Watkins was called in to pronounce them man and wife because Barnes had not yet been ordained. Witnesses were Black and Buroker family members. The couple had met at a Cable and Concord basketball game in Cable in Champaign County.

Joe is the son of the late Zalia and Ernest Buroker. Jean is the daughter of the late Alma and Guy Black.

The Burokers are the parents of two living sons and two daughters-in-law, Gary Buroker, of Lakeview, Tony and Kim Buroker, of Carrollton, Georgia, and Joyce Buroker, of Denopolis, Alabama. Another son, Ronald, is deceased. They have seven grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and 1o great-great-grandchildren.

Jean worked for Ledex Corp., Sidney City Schools as a cook, and volunteered at Wilson Memorial Hospital. Joe farmed, worked for Copeland Corp. and served as a Shelby County deputy sheriff.

The Burokers enjoy traveling, fishing and visiting in Georgia, Florida and Alabama.