RELIOUS AND BEVERLY WALDEN CELEBRATE 60 YEARS OF MARRIAGE
by Martin Butler
Relious Walden fulfilled his military duty with the United States Army in 1949, sold his motorcycle for quick cash, and used the G.I. Bill to enroll at Southern Missionary College (now Southern Adventist University) in Collegedale, Tenn. There, he was attracted to student Beverly Smith as she diligently worked in the school cafeteria. After she transferred to a local business college, their courtship continued to develop. On June 27, 1951, they married in Chattanooga.
Two years later, after Relious graduated with degrees in religion and business, the young couple moved to Nashville to join the work force at Southern Publishing Association. In the 40 years which followed, treasury-related positions for the Adventist Church took Relious to Georgia; Florida; New Jersey; Ohio; Uruguay, South America; Iowa; California; and back to Orlando where he retired in 1993 as treasurer of Florida Conference.
Throughout their marriage, when Beverly wasn’t at home caring for their three children, David, Lisa, and Neal, she served as a secretary in conference offices and as administrative assistant for Glendale, California, City Church and Forest Lake Church in Apopka, Fla.
“Long-time friends we made in all the places we lived have enriched our lives,” say the active Forest Lake Church members. Six grandchildren and twin great-grandsons also bring them additional joy.