What a love story we get to share! The Harbor at Opelika resident Melba and her husband, Terry, began their journey together began back in high school in Grove Hill, Alabama, when Melba was a 10th-grade cheerleader and Terry was out on the football field. After Terry was drafted into the U.S. Navy in 1970, the two kept their bond strong. They got engaged while Melba was attending Auburn University and Terry was off at his first Navy assignment.

The two married on September 8, 1974, just as Melba finished her degree in early childhood education. This year, they celebrated an incredible 50 years of marriage! The early years saw Melba moving around as Terry served as a psychiatric corpsman. Her teaching career began in Smiths Station, Alabama, where she started out as a kindergarten teacher—a role she treasured for 26 years. “The excitement of watching the kids learn was the best part of my teaching career,” she shared. Melba also taught in Monroeville and Auburn, eventually retiring in 2000.

Family means everything to Melba and Terry. They have two children, Jeremy and Elizabeth, and are proud grandparents to eight grandchildren—one watching over them from heaven. For much of their life together, the couple lived on a horse farm in Monroeville. Horses have long been a passion: when they later moved to Auburn, they opened Eagle Downs Farm in Loachapoka, where they cared for 30 horses, led trail rides, and offered boarding services. Both Melba and Terry found deep purpose in equine therapy, helping children with autism. One horse they boarded even belonged to an Auburn student and later won a prestigious jumping and dressage competition!

Melba’s interests don’t end with teaching and horses. Along with raising their children and enjoying summers at Perdido Bay, she devoted time and care to restoring their circa 1878 Greek Revival home. She’s also an avid collector, with an impressive 332 Studio 56 Dickens Village houses.

Another important chapter for the couple was their involvement with the Upward Bound education organization. Melba and Terry planned yearly student trips—they fondly recall chaperoning 72 teenagers on a memorable journey to New York City, and organized adventures to New Orleans and Nashville as well.

Football season at Eagle Downs Farm became legendary among Auburn students, with bonfires, parties, and a welcoming atmosphere that made the farm a cherished hotspot for years. After moving on from farm life, the couple bought Dr. Harry Philpot’s home on Cary Drive, where they spent seven wonderful years before their next chapter together.

Melba and Terry’s story is one of enduring love, an adventurous spirit, and a deep commitment to family and community. After 50 years, it’s clear their appreciation and affection for each other are as strong as ever.