With Valentine’s Day around the corner, The Manning Times asked local couples to share their love stories—and the community delivered. From chance encounters to lifelong commitments, residents shared the moments that brought them together and kept their love strong. Below are just a few of the heartfelt stories submitted by our readers.
Jade Buddin
I met HB Buddin after he sat down beside me at Waffle House after solar jam! years later we are just as smitten!
Barbara Smith Shumpert
Met my husband, Donnie, at Memorial Park in Sumter. Knew him for 6 weeks dated 4 of those weeks and married. Had 4 beautiful and successful children together and on May 16, 2024 we celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary.
Rebekka Johnson Taylor
I met my husband in Sunday School… at least that’s what we tell our boys! We’ve been through more in our (almost) 18 years of marriage than most experience in a lifetime together. Through each season of life and love, we have promised to enjoy the journey and find the good together!
Deidra Metzger Hodge
I met my husband, Corey, when we worked together at Piggly Wiggly in 2004. We started dating in 2005 and got married in 2006. We have two beautiful kids together. We celebrated our 18th anniversary in December ‘24.
Sondra Busby
12 year old, Sondra Parker, a middle school pep squad team member met 14 yr old Joey Busby, a student at Scott’s Branch High, met at Scott’s Branch School Gymnasium January 24th, 1994, game night.
It was NOT love at 1st sight, in fact, our 1st conversation was an argument but by the end of the night he was asking for my number, & well I said, “NO!” As the story goes on, two days later Joey discovered that he knew one of my friends, asked for my number, and 7 years later, young love, he then 21 & I 19, were joined in holy matrimony on July 1, 2001”The Busby Gang” was established and here we are, 23 years later, 3 beautiful, & honorable kids, Ariyonia, Joey, Jr. & Tyren.
