Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Clayborne of Grifton celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary Aug. 23, 2013. A celebration of blessings was given by the couple’s children -- Linda and Franz Hamilton, Gayle Allen and Judy Clayborne of Hookerton; the late Mark Clayborne, who lived in Hookerton; Steve and Jacqi Clayborne of Kinston; and Jonathan and Joan Clayborne of Ayden.
The couple has 11 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren.
Mrs. Clayborne is the former Yvonne Gray Sheppard of Washington. She is retired from Lenoir County Public Schools as a child nutritionist. Mr. Clayborne is retired from Sealtest Dairies/Carolina Dairies.
They were married Aug. 23, 1941, in Washington by a justice of the peace.