Elmer and Katawna Davis

Advice to new couples:

"You've got to keep God first. Also, don't go to bed mad; you can work it out; you just have to believe you can. Don't just talk about it – be about it."

Nomination:

Elmer and Katawna Davis celebrated their 43rd wedding anniversary in December 2011. They met after she graduated from high school and he was home from college for the summer. They both auditioned for and participated in a church musical. They now have two grown children.

Elmer worked as the band director at Booker T. Washington High School, and Katawna gladly supported Elmer and his students for more than 30 years before retiring. Six years ago, he suffered a stroke. During the healing process, Katawna was right by his side. She nursed him back to health, took him to doctor's appointments, helped with all the housework and more. Elmer says "Katawna has been a jewel; she is my guardian angel."

With Katawna's help, Elmer was able to get back out on the football field with his marching band and resume his duties as band director. He says they didn't realize at the time the impact they had on student's lives, but when they talk with former students now, they are surprised at the number that became teachers themselves. Together, their positive attitudes have literally influenced another generation!