WSET.com - ABC13The Greatest Love Story

Reporter: Noreen Turyn | Videographer: Jemon Haskins

Lynchburg, VA - So many wonderful love stories came into our newsroom when we asked for the Greatest Love Story out there, but our viewers have selected the winner.

On Valentine's Day we highlight the story of Pershing and Margaret Mays. Margaret is 94 and Pershing turns 94 in March.

But their home is a little quieter these days. Pershing Mays' wife of nearly 71 years no longer is able to live here with him. She's now living out her days in a nursing home, struggling with health issues and dementia.

When asked if it was kind of lonely now. "Yeah, it's hard being by yourself," Pershing said.

Pershing and Margaret have known each other their whole lives. They went from grade school through high school together. They even got married in the fourth grade in a Tom Thumb wedding, never knowing it would be their true destiny. Pershing remembers it well.

"We had a teacher that got that thing up and put us as man and wife as Mr. Coolidge, Mr. and Mrs. Coolidge, that was the president at the time."

But many believe the death of their daughter Margaret Ellen back in 2004 led to Margaret's downfall. Ellen had a five year battle with ovarian cancer before she finally passed away..

"And all that time I think it probably affected Margaret. And every time since Ellen died until Margaret got into this position she's in now, but every time you'd mention Ellen, she would cry."

Pershing doesn't spend a lot of time here anyway. In fact he doesn't spend a single day without her. Every day without fail he gets himself up and dressed and makes the trip. Six long miles each way.

"It's not so bad in the daytime, but sometimes at night when it's rainy, it's real bad for me," says Pershing.

If there's anything you learn about Pershing it's that his love gives him strength and determination. His steps are labored, but day after day he takes them because down the hall, he knows his true love is waiting for him with a smile. She's waiting for her best friend.

"Hi babe.Go on kiss me. (she does and smiles) How do you feel?" he asks.

"I'm fine, good, " Margaret replies.

The only time Pershing ever missed seeing his beloved was when he was in the hospital. His own health failed after the stress of early mornings through late evenings visiting and caring for Margaret took its toll. Now he comes just a little later in the morning and heads home just a little earlier in the evening.

He wants to make sure to stay with her through the meal times.

"She won't eat, hard to get her to eat like she should."

Making sure she gets her nutrition and giving her a little help when she needs it. Margaret struggles to recall some memories.

"Don't you remember going to the parsonage and getting married with your daddy and momma and my daddy and momma?" asks Pershing.

Margaret replies, "Uh uh I don't remember."

But it's certain she has not lost sight of her truest love.

When asked why she loves Pershing so much she was quick to answer.

"Well he's my husband, he's my everything."

And after all these years, Pershing still has a thing for his bride.

"We have been good friends haven't we Margaret?"

"Yeah," she answers.

"That smile, she's got a good smile." Pershing remarks.

Margaret and Pershing teach a lesson to all of us about the power of love, devotion and holding true to those sacred vows-- in sickness and in health, ‘'til death do us part.