Miami Couple Sets Guinness Record As World’s Oldest Married Couple

Lyle Gittens, 108, and Eleanor Gittens, 107, received Guinness World Records titles as both the oldest living married couple and oldest married couple ever by aggregate age. The Miami residents celebrated their 83rd wedding anniversary earlier this year after marrying June 4, 1942. They met as students at Clark Atlanta University in 1941, where Lyle played basketball and was later inducted into the hall of fame. Their marriage faced early challenges when Lyle deployed to Italy with the 92nd Infantry Division during World War II while Eleanor was pregnant with their first child. The couple raised three children: son Lyle Rogers and daughters Angela and Ignae. Eleanor earned a doctorate from Fordham University at age 69. When asked about their marriage secret, Eleanor said “We love each other” and Lyle added “I love my wife.” They previously shared evening martinis but now enjoy a Modelo beer at lunch. (Story URL)