Any special plans for the big day? Millie says "No,
we'll spend
it quietly and together. Lee agrees. In the spring, they'll take a trip to Reno.Lee & Millie’s Love Story
By Larry Price
(This story was originally published in a NKUMC Newsletter in 1995)
(Lee Cone, for many years our beloved head usher at NKUMC, is currently our acolyte coordinator)
February has always been special to lovers. It's a time for hearts and flowers and candy as couples celebrate Valentine's Day. It's very special though for Lee and Millie Cone.
The Cones will be celebrating their golden wedding anniversary on February 25 – fifty years of marriage. Two days earlier -- February 24 -- Lee will usher in his 77th birthday. Lee was born in North Carolina and Millie in Maryland. When I asked Millie where she and Lee first met, she laughed and said, "in a mental institution." True story.
Millie was training as a nurse at a hospital facility in Towson, Maryland and Lee was working as an attendant. As Lee tells it, one night he lost his key and was locked out of his dormitory so he decided to break a window to get in. He suffered a severe cut on his finger and needed treatment, including several stitches. The bad luck turned to good fortune when he met Millie for treatment.
It was 1941 -- a difficult and uncertain time to be in love. Like so many other couples, their courtship was interrupted by World War II. Lee went off to serve with the Army infantry on the Pacific islands and the couple kept in touch as best they could under the circumstances -- separated by the miles and the war. At one point, Lee sent Millie the money for an engagement ring and wrote to her: "If I get back, we'll get married."
On February 18, 1945, Lee came home on a 30-day leave. Seven days later, they married. The war in Europe ended and Lee was not required to return to duty. They've been together ever since.
After the war, Lee worked 35 years for the phone company and the couple raised two children and have a grandson who is now 19.
How does a couple survive 50 years together when so many marriages don't last? Millie chuckled and said, "You ignore each other. Actually, there's no secret formula to live by. If you have good health, there's no reason why any couple can't stay together 50 years." Lee adds, "We had our disagreements, but we'd kind of discuss it. And we don't argue."
The couple moved to Rhode Island at the suggestion of their daughter in 1980. A Baptist who married into the Methodist Church, Lee says he remembers their friendship with several people – including Charles and Frances Wood -- led them to North Kingstown United Methodist Church after they moved to Rhode Island. "We just liked the people and the pastor, Jonathan Almond."
Lee, a regular as usher, is often the first person to greet you when you walk into the Sanctuary for Sunday worship, and the first person to shake your hand or pat you on the back when you leave. This month, take the time to wish Lee a happy birthday and a Golden Anniversary for him and his bride.
While her bouts with poor health prevent Millie from attending church regularly, she's always with us in spirit. Lee says Millie's greatest quality is that "she's a good person. She tries to make people happy and she never complains."
Any special plans for the big day? Millie says "No,
we'll spend
it quietly and together. Lee agrees. In the spring, they'll take a trip to Reno.
Millie and Lee, here's a wish for 50 more from your church family in North Kingstown. Happy anniversary and may God always bless you!
Note: Millie passed away in 2000. Lee carries on sustained by his faith. In the Spring of 2000, our church purchased a tree and planted it on the church grounds in memory of Millie. It was the same type of tree which she and Lee had enjoyed in their backyard. Lee attends church every Sunday and always stops to notice it and remember Millie.
MILLIE'S TREE PLANTED ON THE GROUNDS OF NKUMC, SPRING 2000.