THEN & NOW: Jody and Ramon Franco
As an Atlanta Jewish Times tradition, we spotlight some of the city’s most optimistic and fun-loving couples who share how they met and their secrets to longstanding marriage.
After 37 years with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and now with the AJT, , Jaffe’s focus is lifestyle, art, dining, fashion, and community events with emphasis on Jewish movers and shakers.
Years Married: 58
August 1964
Location: Ahavath Achim Synagogue
Initial Attraction?
Jody: A force greater than the two of us was at work on the Grady High School bus when we first noticed each other over six decades ago. Ramon was 15 and I was 13.
Ramon: I liked the fact that she had a lot of books. Not long afterward, we were at a formal for Jody’s B’nai B’rith Girls chapter where I was selected the ‘Dream Beau.’
Jody: He has been mine ever since. Fast forward to 1964…after having been separated because of college, we were at the same New Year’s Eve party. While we each had different dates, we saw each other across the room and then moved toward each other as in a slow-motion commercial on TV.
Ramon: “Can an old boyfriend give an old girlfriend a kiss ‘Happy New Year’?
Jody: “Yes, what are you doing tomorrow night?” That was it! We were soon engaged, and marriage followed. That special night has extended to 58 wonderful years of marriage.
Secrets?
Jody: A daily investment of energy, time, and love for each other through good times, sad and challenging ones.
Ramon: Take a jog around the neighborhood before making a criticism; then commit yourself fully to overlooking problems in your spouse which you probably also have.
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