The Westbrooks Celebrate 70 Years

Louise and James Westbrook of Shady Dale enjoyed a gathering of family and friends Sunday, Dec. 8 to celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary.

They were married on December 19, 1954 in Alpharetta. They resided in Alpharetta until 1973 when they moved their family to Shady Dale.

The family consists of (in order, oldest to youngest) Edward Westbrook and Sabrina of Shady Dale; Debby Atcheson and Jim (who recently passed away) of Dallas; Rickie Westbrook and Kelly of Oxford; Helen who passed away soon after birth, and Billy Westbrook and Stacy of Belgrade, Montana.

There are 13 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren.

The Westbrooks eloped to get married at a preachers house in Forsyth County, Ga. on December 19, 1954.

Both are members of Providence Baptist Church. “Mr. James” is a member of Walton Lodge #200. Both worked for many years at the Shady Dale Rodeo where Mr. Westbrook started off being in charge of the “ticket line” and “Mrs. Louise” in charge of the “sweet booth.”

Westbrook Cabinets was well known for cabinets and fine woodworking. They are both well known farmers and gardeners and “Mr. James” continues to farm and grow a garden, while they both work together to freeze and can vegetables, make jams, jellies, salsa and candy. Many folks have been to their farm to buy corn, peas, tomatoes, okra and more recently, wheat straw.

“Mr. James” was a Jasper County Commissioner for several terms and Mrs. Westbrook took her turn in politics as a Shady Dale City Council member. “Mr. James”

enjoys hunting and fishing and “Mrs. Louise” loves her sewing, embroidery and crochet.

They have always been there to share their knowledge and hard work ethic with their children and now enjoy sharing all with the 13 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren all of whom love to come to the farm and visit!