CUMBERLAND — William and Donna Jean Liller celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at the District 16 Fire Hall, Cumberland, on April 18, 2009.

Bill is the son of the late William and Dovie (Springs) Liller of Cumberland. Donna Jean is the daughter of the late Samuel and Dona (Kellar) Blank of Cumberland.

The couple was married on April 24, 1959, at the St. Mark’s United Church of Christ in Cumberland. The double ring ceremony was solemnized by the late Rev. Carl H. Clapp. Mary Francis Ayers, sister of the groom, was the matron of honor and Sharon Hyson, friend of the bride, and Shelba Jean (Leighty) Porter, cousin of the bride, were the bridesmaids. Peggy Jo Grimes, cousin of the bride, was the flower girl. George Abucevicz, cousin of the bride, was the ring bearer. The late Charles Wharton was the best man. John Ayers, brother-in-law of the bridegroom, and Gerald Liller, cousin of the bridegroom, were the ushers.

The hall was decorated in a white, gold and pink color scheme. Throughout, it was adorned with flowers, candles, doves and cherubs. With the bridal music playing, Donna Jean was escorted by her son Steven to a pre-lit arch that was covered with pink dogwood flowers. Dangling from the arch were golden wedding bells.

Beneath the bells, the couple renewed their wedding vows with the Rev. William Bice officiating. Also, at the request of the couple, Rev. Bice had those in attendance who wished to affirm their marriage vows to take their spouse’s hand and affirm their covenant. Steven stood in attendance with his father. Their daughter Kimberly stood in attendance for her mother.

The couple lit a candle in memory of their parents. An azalea was dedicated at that time and later planted in their honor and in their parents’ memory at Davis Memorial Methodist Church.

The couple’s granddaughter, Erika Bonner, read a selective reading, “When Love is Found.” Their daughter Kimberly read “As Man and Woman We Were Made.” Soloist Earl Hardman sang “I Love You Most of All,” and “Wind Beneath My Wings.” Those in attendance sang, “Have I Told You Lately That I Love You,” a song Bill sang to Donna Jean when they dated. It was sung as a reminiscence song for Bill and Donna Jean.

As the groom is not allowed to see the bride before the ceremony, Bill was not allowed to see Donna Jean’s formal sky blue dress until she was escorted to him. As a gift to Bill, she wore his favorite color, blue, adorned with her white roses and baby breath corsage. She carried a bouquet of white roses with white and pink ribbons. Kimberly wore a deeper blue dress with a corsage of white roses and baby's breath.

Bill and Steven wore black tuxedos with white shirt, white cummerbund, black bow tie and a single white rose and baby breath boutonnieres.

The guest register table was set with a cherub flowing water fountain, a double framed picture of the couple’s wedding picture and a present day picture of the couple. It was a gift from their daughter and son-in-law, Richard Bonner. The couple’s daughter-in-law, Katie Liller, and granddaughter, Samantha Liller, received the guests and handed out the programs.

The couple’s original flower girl basket and their original ring bearer pillow were on display. The couple had renewed their vows for their 25th anniversary. At that time, they again used the basket and new rings were carried on that pillow, blessed and given to Donna Jean from Bill. Rev. Bice presided over that ceremony.

The Rev. Robert Wellman of Davis Memorial Methodist Church gave the luncheon prayer. The buffet-style dinner was prepared and served by the District 16 Auxiliary. An anniversary double-layer cake was sitting on pillars above a softly lit flowing water fountain with another cake atop it sitting on pillars with a golden rose and fern nestled between the cakes. The top was adorned with a double heart, flowers, pearls and tulle. Another double layered cake was sitting on pillars above another double layered cake with a golden rose and fern between the cakes. It was topped with doves centered and encircled with tulle. Another doubled layer cake was adorned with a dancing bride and groom. Two additional cakes were adorned with golden roses and fern. The cakes were made in white, yellow, chocolate, red velvet and carrot. They were all done with the traditional wedding white icing. The cakes were designed by Donna Jean and Shelby Gable. They were a gift to the couple from John and Shelby Gable. Golden roses and fern were also scattered on the table with pearls and gold confetti. Large gold bells were attached to the front of the table. The cakes were served by Willie Green and Therese Chambers.

Travis Parkinson directed the music. Billy Liller, nephew of the couple, directed the parking. Crystal Liller was the candle lighter. Megan Green was the photographer.

The hall decor was designed by Donna Jean and carried out by Kimberly, Richard, and Erika Bonner, Travis Parkinson, Billy and Crystal Liller and Jim and Nancy Moreland. The azalea flowers were from Natures Art and the other flowers were from Staffords. The flower arrangements for the main table were designed by Donna Jean and Erika Bonner.

The Lillers are the parents of one son, Steven, and his wife Katie, Delmar, Del., and one daughter, Kimberly, and husband Richard Bonner, Culpeper, Va. They have three granddaughters, Erika Bonner, Alexandria, Va.; Danielle Bonner, Culpeper; and Samantha Liller, Delmar; and one great-grandson, Isaiah.

Guests in attendance were from Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Virginia.

Bill is a graduate of Fort Hill High School and is retired from the Kelly Springfield Tire Company. He was a state volunteer.

Donna Jean is a 1959 graduate of Fort Hill High School. She is a summa cum laude graduate of Allegany Community College, with an associate in art degree in social work, and associate in arts in arts and sciences — liberal arts. She is a magna cum laude double major graduate of Frostburg State University, with a bachelor of science in sociology and social work with a minor in psychology. She is retired from the State of Maryland as a senior parole and probation agent.

On their 50th anniversary of April 24, 2009, the couple again celebrated the event with dining at Fratelli’s Restaurant with friends Jim and Nancy Moreland. The Morelands’ granddaughter, Chelsea Metz, was their server. Afterward, the couples ate part of the anniversary cake that had been frozen for the occasion. Bill gave Donna Jean a pair of white gold diamond hoop earrings as her 50th anniversary gift.

The couple has traveled throughout the United States, parts of Canada and Mexico. For their anniversary next year, they hope to gift each other with traveling to one of the three remaining states that they have not visited, Alaska, Iowa or North Dakota, or a trip to Europe.