Page 22 - Winter 2021

Nedra and Owens had been in and out of each other’s lives over the years. After their respective spouses passed away, they found comfort and love in each other.
friend, Owens Smith, had recently lost his wife after a four-year battle with cancer. She knew the pain and loneliness he was now facing.
The two had been in and out of each other’s lives over the years in so many ways. Their daughters were friends, he had worked at the University of Georgia with her husband, and he even spoke at his funeral. She knew his wife, and she had even worked in his office for a brief time. It was in the spirit of that friendship that she reached out and invited him to lunch one afternoon to offer her support
and share in his grief having been there herself.
It turned out to be a true blessing for them both. Their lunches continued and became more frequent, and soon they began spending time together regularly. As time when on, they began to contemplate a future together.
Nedra admits they had more than a few conversations on what their union would look like. They were unsure about how to make the transition from two lives to one.
But each firmly believed their loved
ones would support them in their happiness. So, on a perfect afternoon under a beautiful old cedar tree on Owens’ farm, Nedra accepted Owens’ proposal and a beautiful ring as a token of his love.
The pair were wed in an intimate ceremony surrounded by their families on Nov. 3, 2018.
The casual ceremony was held in a barn on the property owned by their dear friend Lisa Douglas. The barn was filled with love, laughter and a renewed hope for the future.
PAGE 20 | OCONEE THE MAGAZINE | WINTER 2021