After an extensive statewide search, Louisiana Family Forum is excited to announce Louisiana’s Longest Married Couple and their Marriage Hall of Fame!

This year, the organization is celebrating Gail and Patsy Richardson of Gonzales who were married on Sept. 1, 1940 — an extraordinary 81 years ago and are the reigning Louisiana Longest Married Couple since 2020.

When asked about the key to a long and happy marriage, “communication is key,” said 100 year-old Patsy. For Gail, who is 102, age is just a number. “You’re only as old as you think you are, and I don’t think I’m very old,” he quipped.

This year, another couple married 81 years came in a close second with only months separating these unique contenders. Lauris and Earline Broussard of Abbeville just celebrated their 81st anniversary, having been married since Jan. 25, 1941.

The following couples will also be inducted into LFF’s 2022 Marriage Hall of Fame:

81 years – Lauris and Earline Broussard
77 years – James C. Jr. and Verna Lee Wilson
77 years – William and Frances Rosevally
74 years – Clyde Sr. and Bertha Moody
74 years – Marion and Jean Hess
74 years – Paul and Yvonne Wilson
72 years – Richard and Geraldine Van Tiem
72 years – Jacob “JP” and Thelma Jones
72 years – Nelvil Leo and Mary Theard
71 years – Harold and Juanita Beaugh
71 years – Angelo James and Josie Lewis
70 years – Kenneth and JoAnn McBride
70 years – Joseph and Virginia Trahan