Brenda Barnes Hamilton and Jack Wesley “Wes” Hamilton celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary on Dec. 18. The couple, who reside in Mt Airy, were married at Pinn Memorial Baptist Church in 1971 by the late Rev. Frank Mitchell. Brenda is a member of Saint Luke’s Church of Germantown.

The couple met at a Kappa Alpha Psi party in Philadelphia shortly after both graduated from college. Brenda graduated from Cheyney University, and Wes graduated from St. Benedict’s College, where he pledged Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. There’s no wonder they met at a Kappa bash!

Brenda, a native Philadelphian, is the daughter of the late Mildred and Harry Barnes. Her father was the proprietor and director of Barnes Funeral Home in North Philadelphia. Brenda’s grandfather, Dr. William H. Barnes, was one of the first African Americans to graduate from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. He studied abroad and specialized in otolaryngology. Dr. Barnes was also a founding member of the Alpha Boulé Fraternity.

Wes is from Mt. Royal, New Jersey, and the son of the late Sherman and Anna Hamilton. He is a retired School District of Philadelphia principal. Brenda taught elementary school in the Philadelphia School District and is also retired. Both now work as education consultants.

Brenda and Wes are the proud parents of Pier Lynn Butler and Chad Wesley Hamilton, and the grandparents of three beautiful grandchildren, two granddaughters, Siani and Niya, and one grandson, Sebastian. Brenda and Wes spend a great deal of time nurturing and guiding their children and their children’s spouses. Their son Chad is married to my youngest daughter, Loren Patricia Hamilton.

Brenda and I met years ago as members of Philadelphia Jack & Jill Inc., and that’s how Chad and Loren began dating as teens. The rest is history. All of their grandchildren are members of Maryland and Philadelphia chapters of Jack & Jill.

Brenda and Wes attend many of the weddings and social events that I cover, but they love spending quality time with family and close friends.

Wes has enjoyed and excelled at many sports, including tennis and basketball, He attended St. Benedict’s on a full tennis scholarship. He can often be found on the golf course when weather permits. Wes began teaching Chad tennis at age two and developed his skills to become the captain of Howard University’s tennis team. Our 2-year-old grandson has been dragging a racket around since he could walk and just got his very own for Christmas. It looks as if he might be following that same path. If not, his “Pop Pop” Hamilton is teaching him how to golf as well.

I want to commend Wes and Brenda on what a wonderful couple they are. I love and admire them and appreciate all they have done for my family and for our family. Happy anniversary!