Due to their long marriage, Herbert and Zelmyra have been in the news for some time. The Craven County Board of Commissioners recognized and saluted the Fishers on November 21, 2005.
Their marriage success can give hope to other couples with separate bedrooms and to couples in an interfaith marriage. As of February 2010, Zelmyra and Herbert hold the world record of the longest marriage for a living couple.
Born:
Zelmyra : December 10, 1907.
How Herbert and Zelmyra Met:
Zelmyra: "We attended the same [elementary] school. That's where we met."
Source: Marti Parham. "North Carolina couple married 81 years share a love that has stood the test of time." Jet. 1/30/2006. pgs. 12-14. (includes photos)
Wedding Date:
Children:
- Alyce Fisher
- Franklin Fisher
- Norma Fisher
- Herbert Fisher, Jr
- Ludie Fisher
Residence:
Occupations:
Zelmyra: Caretaker.
Quotes About the Marriage of Zelmyra and Herbert Fisher:
Source: The Fishers' Twitter Account. 2/14/2010.
Zelmyra: "No secrets. There isn't any secret. It was only God that kept us together."
Source: Carla Adair Hendricks. "Couple Maintains World Record for Longest Marriage." Aarp.org. 8/17/2009.
Iris Godette: “I think it is a blessing first that two people can ultimately love each other, respect each other and still want to be each other’s friend,” Godette says. “These days, you just don’t hear of a couple that stays together so long. They took those vows, ‘till death do us part,’ seriously. They have weathered the storms. There were good times and bad times, but they stuck it out.”
Source: Carla Adair Hendricks. "Couple Maintains World Record for Longest Marriage." Aarp.org. 8/17/2009.
Francine Sawyer: "Zelmyra told reporters that Herbert was the only boyfriend she eber had, and she doesn't tire of seeing him. She never thought she's be married so long. Herbert said that he would do "anything for." He often checks in on Zelmyra when she rests. Bottom line -- the fishers have the ultimate love story. When asked if they had it to do all over again, both replied that they wouldn't change their life."
Source: "North Carolina Couple in the Guinness Book of World Records -- Married 84 Years!" AAHMI Newsletter. Acf.hhs.gov. 3/2009.
Norma Godette: “If there was ever love, it’s between my parents,” said Norma Godette, one of the Fisher’s five children. “By example, they have taught us how to treat others as we would like to be treated and to live our lives according to the Ten Commandments. They taught us to love and respect everyone.”
Source: Denise Stewart. "Couple Sets Record for Marital Longevity -- 84 Years." BlackAmericaWeb.com. 2/13/2009.
Zelmyra: "He was not mean; he was not a fighter. He was quiet and kind. He was not much to look at but he was sweet."
Source: Francine Sawyer. "Married 84 years, and still loving." NewBernsj.com. 9/13/2008.
Herbert: "No, no trouble at all. We never argued, but we might have disagreed."
Source: Francine Sawyer. "Married 84 years, and still loving." NewBernsj.com. 9/13/2008.
Zelmyra: "We didn't get mad a lot," she recalls of the years past. "We got along alright together." In a rare occasion that a falling-out did arise "he would always win," she says with a laugh."
Source: Marti Parham. "North Carolina couple married 81 years share a love that has stood the test of time." Jet. 1/30/2006.
