Forty-five years after their New York wedding, Egbert “Eggie” and Enid Hendricks are still a picture of love and devotion.
The native St. Johnians celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary on September 22 with dinner in Red Hook and a one night stay at a Westin Resort villa.
The two met in elementary school, and later moved to New York in 1960, where they lived for five years. While in New York, Egbert Hendricks proposed to his then-girlfriend on Valentine’s Day, 1962.
The couple were wed at the Transfiguration Church on 127th Street in New York City.
“It was a long time ago,” said Egbert Hendricks of his wedding. “It was nice.”
The couple moved back to St. John in 1965, where they have lived ever since. Egbert Hendricks is retired from the Department of Public Works, where he worked for 30 years, and Enid Hendricks is retired from the V.I. Water and Power Authority.
“We’re now retired and doing what we always wanted to do — enjoying life and traveling,” said Enid Hendricks. “We’ve been on several cruises and traveled to
Baltimore, Chicago, Arizona, New York and the Caribbean islands. We’re just trying to live a comfortable and happy life.”
Reflecting on the past 45 years, Enid Hendricks recalled happiness and commitment.
“Like any other marriage, there were ups and downs,” she said. “We laughed, we cried, and we stuck with it.”
The couple now has three children, Enid Doway, Edwina Hendricks and Erin Hendricks, and five grandchildren, Isaiah Miller, Jordan Beason, Iesha Dawson, Ashley Doway and Alexis Doway.
Egbert Hendricks cited his wife’s devotion to him as one of her better qualities.
“She treats me good,” he said.
The couple drew from their 45 years of experience to offer advice to newlyweds.
“There will always be misunderstandings,” said Enid Hendricks. “Try to resolve it with a smile or with a joke, and always remember the good times.”
“You gotta stay with it,” Egbert Hendricks added.
