In a world where so many people are looking for that special someone to share life's joys and heartaches, two senior citizens who found each other became man and wife Saturday afternoon.

Ethel E. Jones, 86, Greenville, and Kenneth Sours, 69, Ohio, were married by Mrs. Jones's son, the Rev. John Jones Jr. at Clark Pentecostal Holiness Church in South Pymatuning Township.

The Sourses were joined by nearly 200 relatives, including 27 grandchildren, 70 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

"I never dreamt it," Mrs. Sours said of the nuptials. "I'm so happy. It's wonderful."

The bridegroom was just as ecstatic as his bride, calling it love at first sight. "She's a very, very fine person. She's a jewel," he said.

Sours said their "how-we-met" story is a long one. To make that long story short: Sours had car trouble last fall and a friend referred him to Jones Auto Service & Wrecking in West Salem Township. Owner Jimmy Jones is Mrs. Sours' grandson.

Sours said he began talking to Jones' father, John, who invited him to church. That's where he met his future bride.

Shortly after they met, Sours went to Florida; when he returned in October, the two began dating.

"It was a short courtship," Mrs. Sours said.

"I though it was awesome," friend Janet Smith of Greenville said of the wedding. "They're wonderful, Christian people. They love the Lord," she said.

Rev. Jones said he never thought he would perform his mother's wedding ceremony. "It's really just a great experience because that's what God meant to be," he said. "She deserves happiness."

Rev. Jones said his mother and father, John E. Jones Sr., were married for 64 years until his father passed away.

"I think it's remarkable," said Rev. Jones' wife, Mary. Mrs. Jones said her mother-in-law is "a go-getter" who is still very active and takes no medication.

After the ceremony, family members beamed at the newlyweds.

"It's something," said friend Earl Reno of Jefferson Township.

You can e-mail Herald Staff Writer Kristen Garrett at:
kgarrett@sharonherald.com