Mariam and Perry Beaver

Advice for new couples:

"Respect one another and always accept your spouse for who they are; never try to change them."

Nomination:

Perry and Mariam met when she was in nursing school and he had just returned from playing with the Green Bay Packers. They married in 1968 and have supported one another for over 43 years. Following a successful collegiate career and being coached by the legendary Vince Lombardi, Perry took his football moves and turned them into coaching gold by building the Jenks High School football team into a dominant leader in their division. Working as a nurse, Mariam never missed a game and together they supported young athletes and students for over 30 years. Perry was named to Native American Hall of Fame and the Oklahoma Coaches Hall of Fame.

Upon retiring from coaching in 1991, Perry was elected as the Principal Chief of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation which he faithfully served for eight years. After suffering a stroke, Mariam became his private nurse. Even though Perry now suffers from diabetes and needs regular kidney dialyses, as grandparents, they help with the grandkids. They never miss birthdays or special event…they are inspiring for the support they provide each other and their family.