John and Judy Stewart of Eminence celebrated their golden wedding anniversary with a beautiful country wedding vow renewal ceremony at 6:30 p.m. Monday, June 3, 2024, at Mt. Zion Church in Akers.
Dr. Howell Burkhead performed the vow renewal ceremony and wrote a new vow, especially for the couple reflecting on their first 50 years of marriage.
The ceremony was a heartwarming celebration of love and family, including the Stewarts’ children, grandchildren and lifelong friends blended together in a living testament of their enduring love: Mary Ann Chrisco, Sue Wolz, Susan Jordan, Bridget Liggett, Jonathan Stewart, Garrett Liggett, Dennis Williams, Phillip Thompson, Alex Ramsey, Rein Liggett, Jake Stewart, Ridge Stewart, Presley Stewart and Hazel Mae Ramsey. Not present from the original wedding party was John Terrill who attended the reception; Jennie Purcell Seneker, absent due to cancer treatments; Tim Tobey, who tragically died in a motorcycle accident a week after the initial wedding; and the couple’s son Timothy, who passed in 2019.
Bridget, their daughter, could be seen organizing, decorating Mt. Zion, emphasizing 50 years ago, displaying Judy's wedding dress and the wedding photo albums.
Alex and Amber Ramsey provided a delectable charcuterie board featuring a variety of cheeses, cured meats and fresh fruits from their business, Taste of the Occasion, at the church.
Mt. Zion Church, a place of profound significance in Judy's life, was the chosen venue for the golden wedding anniversary celebration. This church, which holds dear memories from Judy's childhood, was closed by the National Park Service at the time of their original wedding. As a result, John and Judy were married on June 7, 1974, at Shannondale in Timber, in a country wedding.
The grand reception dinner, a feast for the senses, was held at The Events Center in Eminence, on June 8, 2024. The menu featured a delightful array of dishes, including the all-time favorite fried chicken, refreshing watermelon and a variety of fixings, all prepared with love and care. Jonny and Jordan Stewart hosted the reception dinner and ensured everyone had a memorable time.
The grand reception dinner was made even more special by the soulful music of Buzz and Ben Taylor. Their melodic tunes filled the room, serenading the guests and adding a touch of magic to the celebration.
Both events were adorned with cherished memorabilia from their original wedding, including Judy's wedding dress, the cake topper and knife that symbolized their first shared meal, wedding pictures that captured their joyous moments, and announcements that marked the beginning of their journey.
Kate Staples Photography and Susan Jordan captured memories that will be treasured, as well as photos from 50 years ago.
Their children, Bridget and Ryan Liggett and Jonny and Jordan Stewart, played a pivotal role in planning their parents' anniversary event. Their meticulous planning and thoughtful execution ensured that every aspect of the celebration was perfect. Judy expressed her admiration, saying they did a fabulous job planning their parents' wedding anniversary celebration of 50 years of marriage.
John and Judy were deeply moved by the outpouring of love and support and expressed their profound gratitude. They want to extend their heartfelt thanks to everyone for all the cards, gifts and messages. The couple cherished the shared stories, the reminiscing and the opportunity to create new memories.
Jason Lott, superintendent of the National Park Service Ozark National Scenic Riverways, permitted the use of Mt. Zion for the ceremony. This place holds dear memories from Judy's childhood for the ceremony as she grew up at Akers Ferry, Akers Stor, and at the Akers Post Office where her mother was postmistress.
Mt. Zion, located on K Highway in Shannon County, is a part of the Upper Current River's NPS Ozark National Scenic Riverways, located about a mile north of Akers Ferry.
