Turk's celebrate 55 years of marriage
An epitome of faith, love and understanding was celebrated in East Gainesville with family and friends witnessing once again the union of a resilient and loving couple.
James Aaron Turk Sr. and Rosemarie "Rose" King Turk celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary at the T.A. Wright Family Life Center at 2505 NE Eighth Ave. on Saturday.
The couple met at Florida A&M University in Tallahassee in the summer of 1963 during orientation.
He was from Brewton, Alabama, and she was born in New Haven, Connecticut, but raised in Pompano Beach the majority of her life.
"If I had not gone to the university early and if she didn't go to the orientation and went to the freshman ball, we probably would've never met," James Turk said. "We were in a place and time we normally wouldn't be at."
King Turk said marriage is all about sacrifice and honoring your vows to stay together.
"You must work at it," she said. "It takes communication. You must be respectful and make sure God is a part of that union."
King Turk graduated from FAMU with a bachelor's degree in elementary education and Turk graduated from FAMU with a bachelor's degree in business education.
The couple moved to Gainesville after they got married on June 25, 1967, in St. Augustine.
King Turk taught at Stephen Foster Elementary School for over 30 years and Turk worked at the U.S. Department of Agriculture's satellite office in Gainesville for almost 40 years.
They have been members of Mount Carmel Baptist Church since it was located on Northwest Fifth Avenue under the leadership of local legendary pastor and civic, civil and community activist the late Rev. Dr. Thomas A. Wright Sr. The new Mount Carmel was built in 1984 at its current location, 2505 NE Eighth Ave.
The couple is known for Turk's grilling skills and his wife's pound cakes, both of which are popular with members of their immediate and church families.
They still deliver communion on the first Sunday to members of Mount Carmel who are unable to attend church.
Turk said he remembers the hospitality he received from Wright when he first came to Gainesville and wanted to make sure he continued that legacy.
"Rev. Wright would make sure members see if they could assist us by picking us up to run errands," he said. "I remember the Mickle family allowing us to use their car to help us get settled. You don't forget stuff like that."
The couple said they received many cards of well wishes for their celebration.
"It takes a village," King Turk said. "We are grateful for all the support from family, friends and the church."
Andrea Turk, the couple's daughter, attended Buchholz High School and followed in her parents footsteps and enrolled at FAMU.
She said she was fortunate to have hosted the event for her parents.
"Nobody's perfect but my parents were perfect for me and my brother," she said. "They were very supportive. There was not a point in time where we felt we couldn't talk to them. This was like a mini family reunion. I was excited to see the people who came out."
James Turk Jr., the couple's son, attended Gainesville High School and also enrolled at FAMU.
He said the celebration meant a lot to him because his parents can receive their flowers while they are here.
"Normally we gather for sadness," he said. "Today we are gathered here to celebrate a union and we are so appreciative to be a part of it. I'm so excited that we were able to celebrate them while they're still here to experience it."
Several people who were part of the Turk's wedding were in attendance at their 55th anniversary celebration. They included bridesmaids Linda Turk and Barbara King Warmack, Daniel Mallard, the ring bearer, and Angela Willis Bailey, the flower girl.
The celebration began with a Christmas skit of the Turks' family with their two children and their three grandchildren, Aaron Turk, Ariyana Larkins and Summer Littles.
A proclamation from FAMU for the Turk's anniversary was read by Boderick Johnson, president of the Alachua County chapter the FAMU National Alumni Association.
"With each anniversary, your love becomes stronger," Johnson said. "Your togetherness has become oneness. Continue to serve as a beacon of light to your children and the community. Have a very happy anniversary and may each second be spent with joy that you all have spent together for the last 55 years."
Willie Simmons, FAMU's head football coach, was in Gainesville to deliver the keynote address at the alumni chapter's annual scholarship gala, took time out of his schedule to attend the Turk's anniversary celebration.
"I am honored and pleased to be here this afternoon to celebrate life, love and happiness," Simmons said. "To have this representation of love and happiness is very humbling. Congratulations to you and may you celebrate many, many more."
Other guests who spoke during the celebration included Gainesville City Commissioner Cynthia Chestnut, Alachua County School Board member Leanetta McNealy, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. member Barbara Smith and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. member Gregory Bradley.
"I call them my second set of parents," Bradley said. "You are a shining example of honor and commitment where in the world today people take marriage for granted. We love you and we honor you."
The couple also received a congratulatory message from the White House signed by President Joe Biden.
Destin Williams, pastor of Mount Carmel, said the Turk's love for one another embodies I Corinthians 13:4-8.
"Your commitment is a testament to that Bible verse," Williams said. "We celebrate ... your commitment through the good and the bad times. We thank you to those who traveled to see this wonderful milestone."
This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: James Aaron Turk Sr. and Rosemarie King Turk celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary
