Congratulations to Charles and Janie Henry of Excello for being chosen as Chariton Valley’s 2025 Cooperative Couple of the Year!
Charles and Janie have been happily married for 58 years. They tied the knot when Charles was 20 and Janie was 19, after a relationship that began in high school. Their bond grew over time, with Charles proposing after one year of college. Their fun dates included basketball games, movies, and drive-ins. Their first date, a basketball game in Macon, was memorable due to the amount of snow and him driving five miles in a rear-wheel drive car down gravel roads to Janie’s family farm to pick her up.
On September 9, 1966, Charles and Janie were married. They had a small wedding at his church, Mt. Salem Baptist Church, with her pastor from Calvary Baptist Church officiating the service. Instead of a honeymoon, Charles went back to college on Monday, with Janie starting a new job at the University.
They both said they handled tough times by relying on their faith and support from family and friends. While they don’t argue much anymore, they used to resolve disagreements quickly, sometimes by giving each other space. They became more involved in church and life improved. They’ve always relied on prayer and faith to get through challenges.
Celebrating 50 years of marriage feels almost impossible for Janie, while Charles expresses deep gratitude. They’ve never considered divorce, despite disagreements, and the word was never even mentioned. Charles reflects on the significance of the vow “until death do us part,” which has always meant a lot to him, especially after seeing friends go through divorce.
Their secret to their long, happy marriage is faith. Janie believes it’s important to think of the other person, not just yourself, and to make compromises when living together daily.
Charles advises putting God first, your spouse second, and yourself last, with Janie adding that work should come last as well, emphasizing the importance of balancing family and home life. Janie also stresses the need for good communication and being thoughtful, suggesting couples should make their partner feel special by doing things for them and avoiding constant misunderstandings.
They have two sons, five grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Charles and Janie have been actively involved in Macon and surrounding areas throughout their marriage.
As the Chariton Valley 2025 Cooperative Couple of the Year, Charles and Janie received a $50 gift certificate to Ugo’s Pizzaland, our exclusive contest sponsor, and a gift basket and flowers from Chariton Valley. Thank you to all who participated! Congratulations again, Charles and Janie! We wish you many more years of good health and happiness!
Nominated by Jenelle and Wayne Henry
Dr. Charles Henry, DVM, and his wife, Janie of Excello, MO have been married 58 years since September 9, 1966. They raised two sons and have five grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Charles and Janie have been actively involved in Macon and surrounding areas throughout their marriage. They are faithful members of First Baptist Macon where Charles has served as a deacon over the years while Janie served in the women’s ministry in various capacities.
Charles owned and operated The Henry Brothers Farm, along with his now deceased brother and mother, since 1977. He also ran a veterinary practice on his property that he has since retired from. Charles remains active in retirement through his involvement in the Rotary Club of Macon and staying caught up with local news through friends at the College Mound Community Center.
Janie worked in the Macon community, at Tom Gaunt Enterprise and later for 25 years at Macon Atlanta Bank in Bevier and then Macon before retiring. She now spends her time quilting with friends at church, passing on her knowledge of cooking and sewing to her grandchildren, hosting family meals, and visiting her mother at Loch Haven Nursing Home.
