A 50-year golden wedding anniversary reception was given in honor of Donald and Mae Belle Lance on Jan. 20 at Bates Hill Cumberland Presbyterian Church fellowship hall. The event was hosted by daughter and son-in-law Mickie and Bill Spray, and son and daughter-in-law Donald Lynn and Sherry Lance, and grandchildren Krissy and Hayley Smith and Hannah and Noah Lance.
They began their married life together Jan. 25, 1963 on a snowy, cold day at Pleasant Hill Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Their wedding was the first to be held there.
A gold and white theme was used for the celebration. The guest registration was manned by grandson, Noah, at a table covered with a white lace tablecloth, crocheted by Mrs. Lance’s Aunt Bessie Greene. After registering, guests had their photo taken.
Items from their wedding day were displayed on a table covered with gold and white lace tablecloths. The bride’s wedding dress was displayed on a mannequin.
Cake, punch, nuts and mints were served by granddaughters Krissy, Hayley and Hannah. Hannah made and decorated extra sheet cakes for the reception.
Mr. Lance has retired from Batesville Casket Co., and she from the Warren County School System, where she was Centertown School’s cafeteria manager. 
Family from Nashville, Atlanta, Texas and East Tennessee were present for the reception, along with local guests totaling 100. They conveyed their best wishes to the couple on their 50 years of married life together.