‘Cooperation, working together’ keep marriage on track after 73 years

By Lilly Adkins

BSN Associate Editor

LOUISA — An elderly Lawrence County couple celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary Aug. 1.

Emory Noel, 94, and Ola Noel, 91, are originally from Lenore, W.Va., but have lived in Lawrence County for the last 35 years.

Emory Noel is also a World War II veteran and was coming home on leave by train when he met an old friend, according to their daughter, Terry Compton.

“The friend kept telling him about all the pretty girls back home, especially one named Ola Mae Newsome,” Compton said. “Emory decided right then and there that he definitely wanted to meet her. Upon arriving home, he discovered that his brother was dating her cousin, so he arranged to meet her through them. They hit it off right from the start. He had six more months in the Army and they corresponded during that time and upon his discharge they began dating. They married six months later. He was 21 and she was 18 when they got married on Aug. 1, 1948.”

Emory Noel co-owned and ran a lumber company and later worked in the coal-mining industry as a foreman and chief electrician. His wife, Ola worked as a teacher, supervisor and assistant superintendent in the Mingo County School System for over 30 years. She was also a science teacher at Lawrence County Middle School for several years.

Both remain active in their community. He is a member of the Louisa Rotary Club, and she is a member of the Lawrence County Retired Teachers.

Both are members of the Louisa Church of God, where Emory taught Sunday School for many years.

In addition to their daughter and her husband, Larry Compton of Louisa, they have one grandson, John Emory Compton, and his wife, Alison, of Herford, N.C.

When asked what was the secret to such a long and happy marriage, Emory Noel said, “Cooperation and working together for the same goals.”