Clark Atlanta University president Dr. George T. French (left), with Eleanor Gittens, Lyle Gittens (in the bed) and Clark Atlanta University vice president Lorri L. Saddler. The couple was honored by their alma mater for their enduring love and for Eleanor’s 85 years as an alum.
Rashad West
When Eleanor Rogers stepped out of her Cadillac on her first day as a student at Clark College in 1939, she caused quite the stir.
Most of the students were staring at her car, but Lyle Gittens only had eyes for her.
So began the story of a couple whose love started in Georgia and spans from New York to Florida, with a pit stop overseas — and is still going strong 83 years later. The pair has been together so long, in fact, that the Guinness Book of World Records has recognized the Gittens as the oldest and longest-living married couple. Eleanor, 108, and Lyle, 109, were recognized by the Guinness Book recently in their downtown Miami home, where they have lived for the past six years.
But it all started at an HBCU in Georgia.
Lyle , originally from New York, enrolled in Clark College — now Clark Atlanta University— after realizing that he should seek out his fortune elsewhere.
“There were no jobs,” he recalls. “I was struggling.”
He travelled south to Atlanta by bus, where at times he was relegated to the back, to become a student. Once he arrived, he joined the school’s basketball team, where he eventually made a name for himself.
“We were the first Clark team to ever win a championship,” Lyle says, which they won in 1940.
Eleanor, who later earned a doctorate in urban education from Fordham University, remembers when they met, but she admits that she wasn’t too impressed.
“He was just a basketball player,” she said. But Lyle pursued her affections, and then one day, when he sidled up to her and whispered in her ear, ”You’re my secret passion,” it sparked the love of a lifetime.
Her heart went pitter-patter and the rest is history.
The two married in Bradenton and Lyle rejoined her after his deployment to Italy during World War II. After being married for over 80 years it is clear that they were meant to be together.
The couple, who went on to have three children, three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, was also recently recognized by their alma mater.
“It is a profound honor to recognize Mr. and Mrs. Gittens as not only the oldest and longest-living married couple within the United States, according to Guinness World Records, but also cherished alumni of Clark Atlanta University,” said Dr. George T. French, Jr., president of Clark Atlanta University.
“Their journey, which began on our campus in 1939, embodies the spirit of love and resilience that our institution fosters.”
Lorri L. Saddler, the university’s vice president, chief alumni engagement officer, said that Clark Atlanta University has a long-standing tradition of honoring alumni as they reach significant milestone anniversaries at commencement.
However, university administrators redoubled their efforts once they determined that the couple would be unavailable during their regularly scheduled ceremony.
Eleanor and Lyle both live their lives at a much slower pace now. Though they are in relatively good health, Eleanor is hampered by the stiffness of her joints and the aches and pains that come with arthritis. Lyle, once an active athlete, is now bedbound.
They are an inspiration to many, particularly those who remain the closest.
“They are both amazing and prove that love is really all you need,” remarked grandson Hasani Gittens, a New York-based journalist .
Daughter Angela Gittens, former CEO at Miami International Airport, said she has learned a lot from her parents about what it takes for a relationship to endure as well as what should be prioritized in life.
“We had a very happy childhood and a very good upbringing,” she recalls. “They really reinforced getting a good education.”
Looking back it seems only fitting that their love began on a college campus.
“For Mrs. Gittens, a proud member of the Class of 1941 celebrating 85 years since her graduation, it was important that we bring that tradition to her,” explained Saddler who pointed to the university’s practice of highlighting momentous achievements of those who graduated.
“Since she is unable to travel to campus this May, we felt it was only fitting to present her royal red cap and gown in person. This robe represents more than a ceremony. It reflects a lifelong bond to her alma mater and the enduring legacy she and her husband continue to represent for our university community,” said Saddler.
Dr. French added that the significance of their achievement extends beyond mere numbers.
“As we celebrate this milestone, we reaffirm our commitment to honoring alumni who exemplify excellence and inspire future generations. The Gittens’ story is a beautiful reminder of the transformative power of education and community, and we are proud to count them among our legacy of love.”
M•I•A Media Group is the largest distributor of media content celebrating the success and achievements of Florida’s Black community.