Grafton in Taylor County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)

Diamond Wedding Anniversaries

Photographed by Mark Parker, July 17, 2026

1. Diamond Wedding Anniversaries Marker

Inscription.
Clair Taylor and Lula Mabel (Phillips) Woodyard were married 29 Dec 1923. They raised nine children in Taylor County, West Virginia.

Six of those children celebrated their diamond wedding anniversaries (being married for over 60 years).

The marriages and dates were verified 15 Jun 2020 and are in the 2020 Guinness Book of World Records.

• O'Connor •
1947 Nov 27 - Nancy Woodyard married to Richard "Chick" O'Connor were married for 65 years

•Woodyard•
1950 Sep 13 - David Woodyard married to Eva Jo Chester were married for 69 years

•Isner•
1956 Apr 22 - Donna Woodyard married to Carl "Pete" Isner were married for 62 years

•Stemple•
1957 Feb 27 - Janice Woodyard married to Thomas Stemple were married for 62 years Stockett

• Lehr •
1958 Jun 22 - Elaine Woodyard married to Harry Lehr were married for 61 years

•Stockett•
1959 Mar 14- Carol Woodyard married to Arthur Stockett were married for 60 years

The children and grandchildren of those listed above had this marker placed here to honor their parents. This location was selected to honor their family as this was their home church before it

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became the International Mother's Day Shrine.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Events. A significant historical date for this entry is December 9, 1923.

Location. 39° 20.462′ N, 80° 1.118′ W. Marker is in Grafton, West Virginia, in Taylor County. It is at the intersection of East Main Street (U.S. 119) and St. John Street, on the right when traveling west on East Main Street. From the sidewalk on East Main, take the stairs to the second level of the churchyard to the marker. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 11 East Main Street, Grafton WV 26354, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in North Central West Virginia.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Time Capsule (here, next to this

Photographed by Mark Parker, July 17, 2026

2. Diamond Wedding Anniversaries Marker

The International Mother's Day Shrine church is in the background. East Main Street is on the right.

marker); Andrews Methodist Episcopal Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Cohen Building (within shouting distance of this marker); First Presbyterian Church of Grafton (within shouting distance of this marker); St. Augustine Catholic Church (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); B&O Station (about 300 feet away); Willard Hotel (about 400 feet away); Elks Lodge No. 308 (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Grafton.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 20, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 17, 2026, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 12 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 17, 2026, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.