Many romantics imagine that they will meet their future partner or spouse at work, in a place of worship or online through a dating app. For Joe and Jolene Harris, their happily ever after began in February 1975 in the hallway of an East Baltimore apartment complex where they both lived.
Little did they know that a neighborly interaction at Goodnow Hills Apartments would turn into a committed relationship and ultimately lead to a fun and enduring marriage. This month marks the 50th year of the Randallstown couple’s first encounter, and on March 15 Jolene and Joe, a youthful 75 and 80 years old, will celebrate 39 years of marriage.
Long retired—Joe from the Baltimore City Fire Department in 2001 after 31 years and Jolene in 2005 after 32 years with the federal government—they still enjoy each other’s company.
“It’s been a fun ride. I enjoy life. I enjoy every day being with him,” said Jolene. At this time, the Harrises have no plans to recognize the milestone with a big party, vow renewals or a vacation. Instead, they will most likely reflect on the fun times they’ve enjoyed together.
Originally from Catonsville, Jolene had already worked a brief period at Social Security Administration and earned an associate of arts degree from Catonsville Community College before she left home in 1974 to live on her own at Goodnow Hills. She was a student at the nearby Morgan State College (now Morgan State University) “having a good time, enjoying life.” Joe was a charismatic Baltimore City firefighter and popular people person whose smooth East Baltimore style hand-dancing moves attracted a lot of attention at the legendary Vulcan Blazers club for firefighters. At the time, each was in a relationship with other people, but with apartments across the hall from each other it was difficult to avoid seeing each other almost daily.
“He did all kinds of things to get my attention like taking my newspaper,” said Jolene. “He even knocked on my door one day and asked me for a pencil. He just never let up.”
Looking back, Joe said he found Jolene attractive, admired her independent spirit, and appreciated that they had common interests. “She was crazy. She did the same things I did,” he said. “We rode our 10-speed bikes everywhere. And she liked to hand-dance too.”
But having already been married once, Joe, the father of one son, wanted to make sure Jolene was “the one.”
Joe was sold when he met her parents Virginia and Joseph Bishop and his siblings. “He and my mom were BFF’s,” said Jolene, and according to Joe, her father was like the father he never had.”
“I got invited over to her apartment. Everybody was eating, drinking and playing pinocle. When you meet someone you want to know who they are. She could cook. She had a clean apartment. We laughed and joked and had a good time. I liked the family. They were friendly. “
Taking stock of past relationships, Jolene said it became clear that Joe was the first man she considered to be marriage material. “When I sat down to think about what I didn’t like about him, I couldn’t come up with one thing. A light bulb hit me. I knew I had to let him know I wanted to be with him.”
They became exclusive in 1980, and three years later moved in together in a rowhome he had purchased.
One night, while watching TV together, Joe (finally) popped the question. “I thought he was joking,” Jolene recalled. “So, I went to bed and the next morning he said, ‘You didn’t answer my question.’ I told him, ‘Of course, I’ll marry you.’”
An intimate ceremony was held March 15, 1986, at Morgan State’s chapel before about 75 guests. The reception took place at their favorite hand-dancing spot, Vulcan Blazers Hall. And the newlyweds opted to spend their honeymoon at the boutique Peabody Court Hotel so they could save money to buy a house. The found the perfect split level in Randallstown.
“He was charming, respectful and treated me like I knew I should be treated,” she said. “He always cared about what I was doing.” She worked as an IRS revenue agent at the time and appreciated that Joe would attend work events and interact with her colleagues, and that he supported her decision to pursue a master’s degree.
Over the years, the Harris’s home has served as the site for many holiday dinners, Super Bowl parties and cookouts, and they enjoyed a number of cruises. On Sept. 24, 2021, life took a dramatic and unexpected turn when Joe suffered a stroke. It was especially tough because Jolene’s mom passed away weeks later. But the couple is pressing through his recovery. “We make a go of it and do what we have to do,” Jolene said.
Visits to the Liberty Senior Center in Randallstown help. He livens up the center’s members with his lively personality and loud singing before he settles into the fitness center for his workout. “I wake the place up,” he said. “You only live once. You better enjoy it.”
Jolene said Joe is always about having fun and she always gave him his space. But more importantly, she said, “He pushes all the right buttons for me. Everything that I wanted and needed in a man he still does. He’s my protector. He genuinely cares about me and what I do. It’s nice to have someone care.”
For Joe, the key to a successful marriage is simple. “I love her. I can’t say any more than that. I don’t want anyone else in my life. She’s it. Good, bad and indifferent.”
